Construction on Missouri's first Improve I-70 project has reached several major milestones, with crews advancing work on a new flyover connection at U.S. Route 63 in Columbia and completing a new roundabout interchange at U.S. Route 54 in Kingdom City.
The $426 million Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City project is adding a third lane in each direction along a 20-mi. section of I-70 between U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54. The project also includes new concrete pavement, wider shoulders and improvements to major interchanges.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), construction began in July 2024 and is scheduled for completion in late 2027. Millstone Weber is the design-build contractor, with Jacobs serving as designer.
Flyover Takes Shape
One of the most visible elements of the Columbia work is the new flyover ramp connecting northbound U.S. 63 to westbound I-70.
According to MoDOT, crews reached a major milestone in September by installing the remaining girders for the elevated connection. The work required westbound I-70 to be reduced to one lane while large beams were set for the new ramp.
The flyover is one of two new direct connections being constructed at the I-70/U.S. 63 interchange. The other, connecting eastbound I-70 to southbound U.S. 63, has been completed and opened to traffic.
The interchange improvements are designed to improve traffic flow and accommodate increased freight and passenger traffic through the Columbia area.
Kingdom City Work
MoDOT screenshot
At the western end of the project, crews have completed construction of a new roundabout at the I-70/U.S. 54 interchange.
The roundabout replaced the existing signalized configuration and features larger radii designed to better accommodate tractor-trailers. The new interchange also includes longer ramps and other safety improvements.
The roundabout opened to traffic in May, while additional interchange and mainline work continue.
Pavement, Earthwork
Interchange construction is taking place alongside extensive reconstruction of I-70.
The project will add a third lane in each direction and place new full-depth concrete pavement across the corridor. Crews also are widening shoulders and reconstructing existing portions of the interstate.
According to MoDOT, the project includes approximately 100 lane miles of full-depth concrete pavement and construction or reconstruction of 27 bridges. Approximately 1 million cu. yds. of dirt also will be moved during the work.
Heavy equipment being used includes cranes, concrete pavers and placers, dozers and dump trucks. Concrete paving operations have continued during nighttime work to limit the impact on traffic.
The Columbia-to-Kingdom City project was the first project awarded under Missouri's statewide Improve I-70 program, which calls for adding a third lane in each direction along nearly 200 mi. of I-70 between Blue Springs and Wentzville.
According to MoDOT, construction on the Columbia-to-Kingdom City section is scheduled to continue through late 2027.
