MHTC chooses Radmacher-Ideker JV for MoDOT's $350M Improve I-70 project. Widening I-70 from Blue Springs to Odessa by adding a third lane, responsible for 14 bridge replacements. Construction to start in Sept 2025, completion expected late 2028. Joint venture committed to extending third lane beyond initial project requirements.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) has selected the Radmacher-Ideker Joint Venture team as the apparent best-value proposer and design-build contractor of the next project in MoDOT's Improve I-70 program. The joint venture team consists of contractors Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co. Inc. and Ideker Inc., with designers Wilson and Company Inc.
Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa is a $350 million fixed-cost contract that will add a third lane to each direction and make other improvements to Interstate 70. The design-build contractor team also has committed to extending the third lane in both directions to mile marker 45.3, nearly 7 mi. past the project requirements.
This project is the third in a series of projects that will widen and improve the I-70 corridor. Missouri's FY2024 budget from the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor provides $2.8 billion in general revenue for the costs 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 mi. of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
"MoDOT continues to make significant progress at unprecedented speed towards delivering this generational opportunity to improve I-70 across the state," said Warren Erdman, MHTC chairman. "Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa will not only improve I-70; it also is an opportunity to make other much-needed improvements to I-70 interchanges in Jackson and Lafayette counties. These improvements will continue to serve these growing communities for many years to come."
The selected team, Radmacher-Ideker Joint Venture, was one of five shortlisted design-build teams. The winning proposal includes:
• constructing a third lane of I-70 in both directions beginning just west of MO Route 7 in Blue Springs to approximately MO Route H (mile marker 45.3;
• replacement of the existing I-70 lanes with all-new full-depth concrete pavement; and
• improved I-70 interchanges at MO Route D in Bates City and at MO Route 131 in Odessa.
• 14 bridge replacements.
The team also has committed to keeping two lanes of traffic open in each direction during peak travel times.
"The Radmacher-Ideker Joint Venture team is proud to partner with MoDOT on the Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa Project," said Andrew Nelson, vice president of operations of Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co. Inc. "As a local team, we're especially honored to be part of such a significant investment in our community and Missouri's highway system. We're excited for the opportunity to contribute to a transformative infrastructure initiative that will benefit our state and local communities for generations to come."
The next steps include finalizing the contract, and the contractor team will be doing more detailed design of the roadway and interchanges and outlining the construction schedule with traffic control plans.
MoDOT will host public information meetings this summer as these details are available. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025 with an anticipated completion in late 2028.
For more information on the Improve I-70 Program, visit modot.org/improvei70.
Design-Build is a project delivery method that combines both the design and construction phases into one contract. The selected contract team completes the design and construction in parallel instead of in succession, which saves time and resources. The goals for the Blue Springs to Odessa project include:
• deliver the project by Dec. 31, 2028, within the program budget;
• provide an additional lane of travel in each direction on I-70 from Blue Springs to Odessa;
• modernize I-70 while improving the existing pavement, bridges and interchanges to enhance safety and mobility;
• minimize construction impacts with a focus on work zone safety, communication and construction staging while maintaining mobility; and
• provide expanded employment opportunities while developing and using a diverse workforce.
For more information, visit modot.org. MoDOT
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