Missouri I-70 Expansion Project Progresses, Despite Difficulties with Speeding Drivers
TL/DR –
The Missouri Department of Transportation is 15% done with its expansion project for Interstate 70, which involves expanding the road to three lanes in both directions. Despite appearing behind schedule from the perspective of the general public, the department explains that this rate of progress is normal and the project remains on time and on budget. The project, which started in 2024, is estimated to cost around $2.8 billion and is expected to be completed by the end of 2030.
Missouri I-70 Expansion Project 15% Complete, Authorities Say
The Missouri Department of Transportation reports that 15% of the I-70 expansion project is complete. The project will extend the interstate to three lanes each way. Despite the progress appearing minimal to the average citizen, project director Eric Kopinski affirms that the most challenging aspect is initiating the project and securing contracts.
Over the next 18 months, Kopinski anticipates construction progress will increase rapidly. He adds that the Improve I-70 project is on schedule and within budget. The contract and consulting industry awarded the projects are playing a significant role in this development.
The project aims to keep as much of the interstate open as possible, minimally disrupting traffic. To ensure safe conditions for workers and motorists, the construction zones have narrower lanes and reduced speed limits. Despite these measures, higher speeds are still a concern, hence the placement of temporary concrete barriers along the work zones and additional law enforcement officers on the ground to regulate the speed of travelers.
Challenges in the Construction Zones
Andrew Gadberry, from the Missouri Highway Patrol, identifies speeding, distracted driving, and irregular lane usage as prevalent issues in the construction zones. The Highway Patrol is addressing these issues with extra patrols and tactics for slowing drivers down. However, Gadberry acknowledges that their efforts must also extend to maintaining safety on the rest of the county roadways.
Kopinski explained that unlike other states, Missouri doesn’t completely cease construction work during winter. Instead, they monitor daily weather conditions to determine what aspects of the work can be completed. However, there will likely be a slowdown during harsh winter conditions.
Progress and Future Plans
The interstate expansion commenced in 2024, starting with the segment between Columbia and Kingdom City. Today, the project encompasses two additional sections and another contract is underway. The remaining segments for construction are between Wentzville and Warrenton and between Blue Springs and Odessa.
Initial plans to divide the work into six sections have expanded to eight sections, leaving four contracts yet to be awarded. When evaluating contracts, the department considers the project scope, traffic disruption minimization, and workforce development.
The project, funded by the Missouri legislature in 2023 and estimated at $2.8 billion, is expected to finish by 2030.
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