Counties Impacted
Jackson
Project Status
In Progress
Route Impacted
70

Project Details

This project will replace the Blue Ridge Blvd. bridge over I-70 as well as make interchange improvements to the ramps and approaches. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2023 with an anticipated completion by the end of the same year. Blue Ridge Blvd. will be closed at I-70 during the bridge replacement and at times there will be minor traffic impacts to I-70.

The estimated cost of this project is between $5 and $6 million. This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.

Construction Timeline

Construction is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 8. Beginning at approximately 6 a.m., crews will CLOSE the ramp from U.S. 40 to eastbound I-70, and the ramp from Blue Ridge Blvd. to eastbound I-70 until approximately mid-November 2023.

Additionally, there will be intermittent lane closures along eastbound I-70. These lane closures are for traffic shifting, pavement marking, and barrier work. There will be three lanes of traffic along eastbound I-70 through construction with the exception of the intermittent lane closures. Motorists should anticipate various lane closures, ramp closures, and bridge work through approximately the end of 2023.

 

Blue Ridge Blvd. Bridge and I-70 Closure Information

 MoDOT Kansas City will CLOSE the Blue Ridge Blvd. bridge over Interstate 70 beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, in preparation for its demolition. Crews will demolish the Blue Ridge Blvd. bridge over I-70 beginning at 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, requiring the TOTAL CLOSURE of portions of I-70 in each direction, until approximately 5 a.m. on Monday, June 5. Southbound Blue Ridge Blvd. traffic will be diverted to eastbound U.S. 40 to Noland Rd. Northbound Blue Ridge Blvd. will be diverted to westbound 43rd Street to Sterling Ave. until approximately mid-November 2023.

Eastbound I-70:

  • Crews will CLOSE eastbound I-70 between I-435 and Noland. All eastbound I-70 traffic will be diverted to I-435. The signed detour for eastbound I-70 is southbound I-435 to eastbound I-470.

Westbound I-70:

  • Crews will CLOSE westbound I-70 between I-470 and Blue Ridge Blvd. All westbound I-70 traffic will be diverted to MO Route 291 (I-470). The signed detour for westbound I-70 is southbound I-470 to northbound I-435.

Work will begin at approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, with the following traffic changes:

  • Beginning at 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, crews will close one lane of eastbound and westbound I-70.
    • Additionally, they will close all of the following ramps:
      • The ramp from southbound I-435 to eastbound I-70/Blue Ridge Cutoff.
      • The ramp from northbound I-435 to eastbound I-70/Blue Ridge Cutoff.
      • The ramp from Blue Ridge Cutoff to eastbound I-70.
      • The ramp from eastbound I-70 to Blue Ridge Cutoff.
      • The ramp from southbound I-470 to westbound I-70.
      • The ramp from northbound I-470 to westbound I-70.
      • The ramp from Lee’s Summit Rd. to westbound I-70.
      • The ramp from Noland Rd. to westbound I-70.
  • Beginning at 3 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, crews will reduce eastbound and westbound I-70 to ONE LANE.
  • Beginning at 4 a.m., crews will completely CLOSE eastbound I-70 (between I-435 and Noland Rd.) and westbound I-70 (between I-470 and Blue Ridge Blvd.). All motorists will need to use the signed detour or seek alternate routes.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS FANS: Motorists headed to Kauffman Stadium should seek alternate routes such as I-470 and I-435 if necessary. Fans coming eastbound along I-70 can exit at Manchester Trafficway and access the stadium via Stadium Drive. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, leave early, and allow for extra time as there could be delays in the area.

Crews anticipate that the demolition will be completed and the roadway will re-open no later than 5 a.m. on Monday, June 5. 

Project Location

Google Map
Google Map

Blue Ridge Blvd. Bridge over I-70

Image
Blue Ridge Blvd. over I-70

Need More information?

We're here to help. If you need more information or have questions, you can contact our project team.

CLOSED: Online Public Meeting

This meeting closed on Friday, November 12, 2021. 

Those interested were able to review the information on this webpage, ask questions, and leave comments about the project using a provided webform located at the bottom of this webpage.  An informational video and plans of the preferred concepts and possible alternatives are also available below. 

During the conceptual stages of the project, MoDOT reviewed five design options for consideration. Each of these alternatives can be reviewed on this webpage. The preferred concept was Option 2B which extends acceleration lengths for both U.S. 40 and Blue Ridge Blvd. It also uses the existing right of way to minimize impacts. Additionally, a noise study is being completed within the project limits. The new bridge will be built to accommodate the possible future widening of I-70. Each of the plans can be viewed on this webpage.

MoDOT hosted an online public meeting for this project from November 1 through November 12. The meeting is now closed.

Webform

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