Progress continues on MoDOT's $2.8B Improve I-70 project in Missouri, focusing on the Columbia to Kingdom City section. The first phase includes bridge construction, pavement work, and interchange updates for increased safety and economic benefits. Anticipated completion by 2030.
Millstone Weber photo
When the project is completed, more than 1.3 million sq. yds. of concrete pavement will be placed.
Although still in the first phase of construction, the Improve I-70 Columbia to Kingdom City project continues making progress, as crews work to update the I-70 corridor in Missouri. The multi-million undertaking is one of several in the $2.8 billion Improve I-70 Program that will widen and modernize I-70 across the state from Blue Springs to Wentzville.
"The construction of I-70 began in 1956, making it the oldest interstate in the nation," said Nicole Samer, Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City deputy director. "The Missouri Department of Transportation [MoDOT] has been studying the existing I-70 corridor since the 1990s and is working to complete all required environmental re-evaluations. The Columbia to Kingdom City section was the first to complete its environmental re-evaluation, making it the ideal starting point for our program."
In order to not overwhelm our industry partners, MoDOT has divided the expansion of I-70 across the state in sections following a schedule that would best allow for the best competition and contractor availability. The program will be broken into various contracts that will be awarded throughout 2029. Total completion of the corridor is anticipated by the end of 2030."
The Columbia to Kingdom City project is a fixed-cost contract at $405 million. This number includes $123 million previously programmed by MoDOT for the I-70 interchanges at U.S. 63 in Columbia and U.S. 54 in Kingdom City.
Work began in July 2024. According to Samer, the need for new construction can't be overstated.
"The safety and economic prosperity of Missourians depends, in part, on an I-70 that grows along with the state and nation. That's why MoDOT is working to improve I-70. Today, many portions of the facility are strained beyond capacity, and outdated interchange designs increase delays and dampen economic activity.
"I-70 is a vital transportation corridor in Missouri, connecting the state's two largest cities and carrying more rural daily traffic than any other route in the state. The 250 miles of I-70 through Missouri have been an engine for economic growth and prosperity. Missouri marks the distinction of being the birthplace to the interstate with the first interstate project under construction on I-70 in St. Charles County."
Samer said traffic management is a chief concern for crews.
"The biggest construction challenge is keeping the traveling public moving with minimal delays. Anticipating impacts and planning work to avoid disruption is a key focus for this project. Maintaining adaptability is one of the main ways this team is tackling this challenge.
"The Millstone Weber design-build team has committed to keep two lanes of I-70 open during peak travel times. Most work on mainline I-70 is occurring overnight, with various single lane closures. That said, traffic along I-70 is a dynamic situation. Motorists are quickly adjusting, and the design-build team is continuing to adapt to the needs of the traveling public. Overall traffic is responding well."
Construction tasks include the reconstruction of the median of I-70. The current configuration has eastbound and westbound separated by a grass median with guard rail and guard cable in many areas, draining to the ditches. A closed median will require reconstruction of the median to include grading, base preparation, concrete paving, concrete barrier wall and reconfiguration of drainage.
"Seventeen bridges/structures will be impacted during the construction of this project for the I-70 expansion in this section alone. That includes a combination of bridge and culvert replacements, new bridge construction, rehabilitation and extensions. An additional six structures will be affected as part of the reconfiguration of the major interchanges at U.S. 63 and U.S. 54.
The project calls for traffic control, clearing and grubbing, erosion control, grading, hauling material, concrete paving, slip forming barrier wall, temporary and permanent pavement striping, bridge construction, culvert installation, MSE wall construction and relocating utilities.
Concrete paving in the median began in fall 2024. Winter weather has hampered the contractor's ability to pave during the colder months, due to specification restrictions.
"The freezing temperatures have affected concrete placement," said Samer. "There is no efficient way to heat/control for freezing temperatures of large pavement sections. Bridge work outside of concrete placement continues through the winter."
Work continues in Columbia on U.S. 63 to construct the two new bridges on U.S. 63 for the new underpass of U.S. 63 from Conley Road. Median grading has begun in different locations along this section, along with MSE wall construction and bridge work.
Approximately 450,000 to 500,000 cu. yds. of dirt will be moved during construction. Samer said minimal excavation has taken place.
"The only real areas that have started are off I-70 for the new underpass of U.S. 63 as a part of the interchange reconfiguration. Most of the excavation work on this project is related to the bridge and interchange work, rather than the addition of the third lane. This is due to the expansion occurring to the median, rather than on the outside.
Regarding the crossover in place along U.S. Route 63 between the Broadway overpass and the Conley Road underpass for bridge construction, currently south U.S. 63 traffic is being crossed over to the northbound side of U.S. 63 to allow for building the new U.S. 63 bridge. Once that structure is complete, traffic on the northbound direction will be moved to the south direction, using the new bridge, to allow for the construction of the new northbound bridge.
The bridges are necessary to allow additional mobility from Conley Road and provide an alternative to the existing triple left turn at the Conley Rd./U.S. 63 Connector intersection that's being removed. To date, traffic on Conley Road traveling to northbound U.S. 63, or to I-70 through the connector, takes a left in one of the turn lanes at that intersection. All of those turn lanes are being removed. Left onto Conley Road. from the connector and through to I-70 Drive will remain. The underpass will travel along the U.S. 63 lanes (east side) and merge back in at the connector.
A variety of heavy equipment being used on the I-70 Columbia to Kingdom City project.
This corridor project encompasses nearly all facets of highway construction, with the major items being earthwork, concrete paving and bridge construction. Concrete paving has commenced, and when the project is completed, more than 1.3 million sq. yds. of concrete pavement will be placed.
The project constructs 18 new bridges and performs rehabilitation work on five other structures. A sizable fleet of heavy equipment and the associated manpower to operate it will be required to complete the work.
All six lanes and shoulders of I-70 will be concrete with concrete median barrier. There will be asphalt in the U.S. 63 connector interchange. Steel will be necessary for rebar reinforcement. Most of the bridges include concrete girders, but crews will use steel girders, as well.
Samer said it's extremely satisfying to play a role in the project, where construction continues year-round.
"I'm local to the area and travel this stretch of I-70 regularly, as do my family, friends and neighbors. It's very rewarding to be a part of something that will impact everyone I know in such a significant way.
"This is a project that will only help grow this area and state. It's greatly needed, and will be remembered for years, and hopefully bring opportunity." CEG
Cindy Riley
Birmingham, Ala., native Cindy RIley originally planned on a career in law, but during her sophomore year in college realized journalism was her true calling. A magna cum laude graduate of Samford University, Riley first worked in radio and TV. Named Best News Anchor, Best News Reporter and Best Investigative Reporter by the Associated Press, she interviewed numerous personalities, ranging from Dr. Henry Kissinger and President Bush to Michael Jordan and Captain Kangaroo.
As a print journalist, Riley has covered a variety of topics, including construction, business, health and the arts. In addition to CEG, her work has appeared in special reports for USA Today and the L.A. Times. Other publications have included New South Magazine, Portico, Thicket, Alabama Heritage, B-Metro, Business First and Birmingham Business Journal.
Read more from Cindy Riley here.
Today's top stories
