A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday to kick off construction between Rocheport and Columbia, part of the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program.
The $441 million project will add a third lane of travel in each direction along the 14 miles of I-70 from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to U.S. 63 in Columbia. Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2029.
This project is part of a larger plan to rehabilitate and add a third lane on nearly 200 miles of I-70 from Blue Springs to Wentzville. Statewide program completion is anticipated by the end of 2030.
“This project is proof of what strong state leadership and smart investment can deliver for our communities,” U.S. Rep. Mark Alford said during the ceremony. “We’re laying the foundation for the future of Missouri. This project means safer roads, reduced congestion, stronger freight movement and real economic opportunity.”
Alford was joined at the podium by state, city and county officials, including Gov. Mike Kehoe, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick and the project’s director, Spencer Robinson.
Approximately $2.8 billion in general revenue was approved through the state legislative process and Gov. Mike Parson in 2023 for MoDOT’s I-70 program.
“Infrastructure is what we will continue to invest in to grow our economy,” Kehoe said. “It is the foundation of who we are. That’s what Missouri is known for. That’s what we want to continue to be known for as we develop opportunities for Missouri families from one end of the state to the other.”
The improvements between Rocheport and Columbia were awarded to local contractor Emery Sapp & Sons in December.
“I want to recognize Emery Sapp & Sons, having a Columbia-based contractor with deep roots in our region leading this work brings an added sense of pride and accountability to the project,” Buffaloe said during the ceremony.
Bridge construction
In addition to the expected lane expansion on I-70, MoDOT, in partnership with the Business Loop Community Improvement District, plans to begin construction on the Providence Road overpass in late May. The bridge construction is a part of the city’s I-70 Beautification Project.
The replacement will modernize aging infrastructure and improve safety, accessibility and appearance of bridges that span I-70, according to a city press release.
“As Columbia continues to grow, we have to make sure that that growth happens thoughtfully,” Buffaloe said. “That means continuing to advocate for pedestrian infrastructure, safer crossings and multimodal access alongside these roadway improvements.”
The bridge acts as the primary entrance into the Business Loop corridor and connects north and south Columbia. The goal for the project is to create a more welcoming, visually distinctive entrance to the loop, according to a city news release. Improvements to it will include “decorative lighting, enhanced railings and fencing, stone-pattern retaining walls, bridge facade elements and integrated lighting features,” the news release reads.
“We are working to enhance the area’s aesthetics,” Robinson said. “These improvements will grace this community thanks to the hard work of many individuals determined to ensure the improvements reflect the city’s vibrant core.”
During the expected construction, the news release said, drivers should plan ahead as lane closures, detours and traffic pattern changes are expected. Robinson said MoDOT is committed to avoiding consecutive interchange closings and to keeping two lanes open in both directions during the peak hours of each day to minimize traffic.
“The number one goal of this project is to make sure the workers on this project get to go home and see their families,” Kehoe said. “So, I would ask motorists to take their time and go slow. There’s a little bit of pain for a lot of gain. This project will benefit generations of Missourians.”