I-70 Closure Set for Bridge Demolition in KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A stretch of Interstate 70 through Kansas City will shut down once again this weekend as part of a major infrastructure overhaul led by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, crews will close both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 between 23rd Street and the U.S. 40 and 31st Street intersection. The closure will remain in effect until 6 a.m. Monday to allow demolition of two aging overpasses.

The interstate will be closed starting 8 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday because crews are demolishing two bridges over I-70: the Cleveland Avenue bridge and the 27th Street bridge.

The work is part of the state’s “Improve I-70 Kansas City” project.

Transportation officials say the temporary shutdown is necessary to safely remove the structures and prepare the corridor for long-term upgrades aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.

MoDOT said a signed detour will be in place to help drivers get around.

What Drivers Should Expect Before the Full Closure

In advance of the complete interstate shutdown Friday night, several ramps and lanes will close throughout the day:

Friday, Feb. 20

• 9 a.m. – On-ramps close to I-70 at Jackson Avenue and Van Brunt Boulevard
• Noon – On-ramp closes from Indiana Avenue to I-70 eastbound, and the on-ramp closes from U.S. 40 to I-70 westbound
• 2 p.m. – On-ramp closes from 23rd Street to I-70 eastbound
• 6 p.m. – Two left lanes close on I-70 westbound from Manchester Trafficway to U.S. 40
• 8 p.m. – Two left lanes close on I-70 eastbound from Prospect Avenue to 23rd Street

Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes, allow additional travel time and follow posted signage throughout the weekend.

Part of Long-Term I-70 Modernization Plan

The demolition marks another milestone in the broader “Improve I-70 Kansas City” initiative, a multi-phase effort to modernize one of the region’s busiest transportation corridors. The project includes bridge replacements, interchange improvements, updated safety features and roadway enhancements designed to handle growing traffic volumes.

Officials have emphasized that while weekend closures may cause short-term inconvenience, the improvements are intended to reduce congestion, enhance safety and support economic growth in the metro area.

For more information about the project, visit MoDOT’s website.

Originally reported by Kaitlyn Schwers in Fox 4 News.