Missouri Department of Transportation has officially launched construction on a $441 million Interstate 70 expansion project between Rocheport and Columbia, marking another major milestone in the state’s broader effort to modernize one of Missouri’s busiest transportation corridors.
State and local leaders gathered Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony kicking off the 14-mile project, which will add a third travel lane in each direction from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to U.S. 63 in Columbia.
Construction is expected to continue through late 2029.
The project is part of Missouri’s larger statewide Improve I-70 Program, which aims to rehabilitate and widen nearly 200 miles of I-70 between Blue Springs and Wentzville by the end of 2030.
“This project is proof of what strong state leadership and smart investment can deliver for our communities,” said Mark Alford 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.”
Officials participating in the event included Gov. Mike Kehoe, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick and project director Spencer Robinson.
Missouri lawmakers approved approximately $2.8 billion in general revenue funding for the statewide I-70 program in 2023 under former Gov. Mike Parson.
“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 Rocheport-to-Columbia contract was awarded in December to Emery Sapp & Sons, a contractor headquartered in Columbia.
“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.
Transportation officials said the project will improve traffic flow, enhance freight mobility and increase long-term roadway safety along one of the Midwest’s most critical east-west freight corridors.
In addition to the interstate widening effort, MoDOT and the Business Loop Community Improvement District are preparing to begin construction later this month on the Providence Road overpass above I-70.
The bridge replacement project is part of Columbia’s I-70 Beautification Project and is intended to modernize aging infrastructure while improving pedestrian accessibility and aesthetics.
Planned upgrades include decorative lighting, enhanced railings and fencing, stone-pattern retaining walls and integrated architectural features intended to create a more visually distinctive gateway into the Business Loop corridor.
“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.”
Project director Spencer Robinson said transportation officials are coordinating traffic management plans to reduce disruptions during construction.
“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.”
Officials said motorists should expect lane closures, detours and changing traffic patterns throughout construction, though MoDOT plans to keep two lanes open in both directions during peak travel hours whenever possible.
“The No. 1 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.”
Originally reported by Bannack Skillen and Mia Fleischer, Missouri News Network in News Tribune.
