JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As the newly paved eastbound lanes on Interstate 70 from Route J (mile marker 137) to Callaway County Route M/Hatton (mile marker 144) are nearly finished, changes to the work zone are coming. In the coming weeks eastbound traffic will move to the new pavement, and westbound traffic will shift into the median.
Eastbound traffic shift
On Aug. 15, construction crews working with the Missouri Department of Transportation anticipate shifting eastbound I-70 back onto newly paved eastbound lanes. The eastbound access to or from Exit 137 will reopen at this time.
Westbound traffic shift
In late August, crews plan to start reconstructing the existing westbound lanes. This will require westbound traffic to be shifted onto the lanes constructed in the median, separated from eastbound traffic with a temporary concrete barrier wall.
During the traffic shift, which is expected to begin the evening of Aug. 22, westbound I-70 will be narrowed to 10-foot lanes and speeds reduced to 55 mph. Those traveling westbound will be able to freely change lanes for the first four miles; however, they will be unable to change lanes for the final three miles (mile marker 137-140). This configuration, narrowing, and speed reduction will be in place for several months.
During that time, there will be no westbound access to or from Exit 137 for several months. As an alternate route, motorists can take Exit 144 and use the north Outer Road 70 to Route J. To continue westbound on I-70 from Route J, motorists can take the north Outer Road 70 to Exit 133. Outer Road 70 is not continuous south of I-70 and does not connect to Route J.
All work is weather-permitting and subject to change.
MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.
This work is part of the first project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program, Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City, which will add a third lane of travel in each direction to the 20-mile stretch of I-70 between Columbia) and Kingdom City. This $405 million fixed-cost contract includes new pavement on all three lanes of I-70 and will also make interchange improvements to the I-70 interchanges at U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54.
Missouri’s FY2024 budget, approved through the state legislative process and governor provides, $2.8 billion in General Revenue to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. For more information on the Improve I-70 Program and to sign up for program e-mails, visit http://www.modot.org/improvei70.
For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.
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