JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The deck for the new Missouri Route 163 (Providence Road) bridge over Interstate 70 in Columbia was poured on Tuesday, Oct. 6. While this milestone showcases the great progress being made, there is still a lot of work to complete before opening the bridge, which is now anticipated for mid-November 2026.
Providence Road over I-70 closed to all traffic at the end of May to reconstruct the bridge and ramps. The new overpass bridge will be longer to accommodate the new I-70 lanes underneath and will be raised to allow taller vehicles to pass under it. The overpass will feature pedestrian crossings on both sides and, thanks to local partnerships, added beautification elements will include decorative lighting, enhanced railings and fencing, stone-pattern retaining walls, and bridge facade elements.
The new bridge is now expected to be completed in mid-November. The ramps at the interchange may open ahead of the bridge, dependent on multiple factors, including weather.
All work is weather-permitting and schedules are 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 one project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program, Improve I-70: Rocheport to Columbia, which will add a third lane of travel in each direction to the 14-mile stretch of I-70 between the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport and approximately U.S. Route 63 in Columbia. This $441 million fixed-cost contract includes new pavement on all three lanes of I-70 and will also make interchange improvements at Route J/O, Midway (Route 40), Stadium Blvd., Business Loop 70, Providence Rd., Rangeline St., and U.S. Route 63.
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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