Kansas City drivers are navigating a perfect storm of traffic disruptions this week as a busy summer construction season collides with severe weather and a string of accidents on major interstates. Both the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) continue to caution drivers to plan ahead, stay patient and keep safety top of mind.

Multiple Construction Hotspots

‍From aging bridges to highway resurfacing, crews are working across the metro to upgrade aging infrastructure — but these projects are slowing traffic and testing commuter patience:

• I-70 Eastbound: Resurfacing work from East 27th Street to 23rd Street is in full swing through July 18, with nightly lane closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Expect significant delays if you drive this corridor overnight or early morning.
• I-435 North: Ongoing bridge maintenance is set to last until December 2025, with lane closures and slow speeds near the busy U.S. 69 interchange.
• I-35 Northbound: Milling and inlay work began July 16 and won’t wrap up until October 10, creating a notorious bottleneck just south of I-29 — a prime rush-hour pain point.

According to TxDOT spokesperson Lauren Macias Cervantes, “We have worked collaboratively with the businesses to make sure that there is access to their location. For drivers, we would say, you know? Be patient. There is a lot of equipment. There's new configurations.”

Accidents Add to the Gridlock

‍In addition to construction closures, serious crashes have jammed up local highways:

• On I-70 Westbound, a multi-vehicle wreck near the I-435 interchange shut down the westbound lanes for several hours. Although the scene is now clear, long tailbacks remain as traffic recovers.
• A fatal wreck closed northbound U.S. 69 at 199th Street, forcing commuters to reroute. That stretch has reopened, but congestion is still heavy as normal flow resumes.

Weather Worsens Road Risks

‍To make matters worse, heavy summer rain has turned some roads hazardous overnight:

• Several underpasses and low-lying areas across the KC metro have flooded, prompting temporary detours.
• Persistent downpours are cutting visibility on main corridors like I-70 and I-35. MoDOT is urging drivers to use headlights and double-check following distances.

MoDOT and KDOT crews have been working around the clock to clear blocked drains, patch waterlogged road shoulders, and manage closures.

Smart Ways to Beat the Backups

‍While commuters can’t control the weather or sudden accidents, they can adjust their travel habits:

Plan Off-Peak Trips

‍Leave earlier or later to avoid the brunt of rush hour backups.

Use KCATA Buses

‍Kansas City Area Transportation Authority offers bus routes that bypass traffic pinch points. Real-time route info is available on the RideKC app.

Carpool or Rideshare

‍Joining forces with coworkers or neighbors can take cars off the road and help you access HOV lanes when available.

Check Live Updates

‍For the latest closures and conditions, the MoDOT Traveler Information Map and Kansas City Scout provide live cameras, work zone notices and weather alerts.

Slow Down

‍Officials remind drivers that fines double in construction zones — and speed limits are lower.

TxDOT’s commitment remains steady

‍“We will always do what we can to minimize public impact and complete a project safely, correctly, and in a timely manner.”

Looking Ahead

‍This wave of construction is part of broader investments to modernize Kansas City’s aging infrastructure and make roadways safer and more efficient for years to come. But for now, patience and planning remain your best tools.

Local officials remind drivers that staying calm, keeping a safe distance and watching for workers is not only the law but a simple way to help everyone get home safely.

Impact on Local Businesses

‍Many local restaurants and stores near major work zones are feeling the pinch as customers avoid high-traffic areas. Some businesses are encouraging delivery and online orders to offset the drop in foot traffic.

Community Collaboration

‍MoDOT says it continues to work closely with city leaders and business owners to coordinate signage, maintain access and limit unexpected closures whenever possible.

Future Projects

‍Expect more improvements later this year, including resurfacing along I-635, additional bridge rehab along I-70, and new signage installations at key interchanges.

Final Tip

‍Kansas City’s growing pains are real — but the upgrades will deliver smoother commutes, safer roads, and more reliable routes for years to come. For now, stay informed, stay patient, and stay safe.

Originally reported by Travel and Tour World.