In an effort to leverage funding for the Improve I-70 program, MoDOT submitted an aggressive grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation through the INFRA Grant Program. This discretionary federal grant program allows transportation owners to compete for federal funding. Historically, less than 10% of applicants are successful with a funding award. In 2024, MoDOT received a partial award for Improve I-70 with a discretional federal grant. A total of $92 million in federal funds were awarded to MoDOT for the Improve I-70 Program. The INFRA grant funds will be used to make improvements beyond the addition of a third lane on the first three segments of the Improve I-70 Program, including Segment A: Blue Springs to Odessa, Segment C: Rocheport Bridge to Columbia, Segment D: Columbia to Kingdom City, and Segment F: Warrenton to Wentzville.
Safety
Improving safety on the I-70 corridor is a primary goal of the Improve I-70 Program. By adding a third lane and implementing the below safety components MoDOT anticipates a reduction in fatalities and disabling injuries by 42% each year over the 30 year analysis period.
Wrong Way Driver Warning System
Wrong way driver warning technology will be installed to improve safety at key locations that will likely benefit from this technology. Installation of signs and additional technology will be used in coordination with Traffic Management Centers (TMC) in Kansas and St Louis to assist with real time communication between MoDOT and first responders. The devises will be installed up to one year after construction completion in order to coordinate with highway safety for hotspot identification.
Funds Allocated: $2 Million
Expanded Truck Parking
Due to its centralized location, I-70 through Missouri experiences some of the highest truck traffic in the nation. Across Missouri’s interstate system, trucks comprise between 29% and 72% of average annual daily traffic. The maximum percentage of truck traffic is located on the I-70 corridor. Truck drivers struggle daily to find safe locations to park for rest periods. Following recommendation from a 2023 Truck Parking study, MoDOT will add spaces to the existing truck parking facilities (east and west bound) in Wright City, Boonville, and Mineola. This component is anticipated to be delivered through a Design-Build contract.
Funds Allocated: $33.4 Million
Wildlife Crossing Safety Enhancement
MoDOT will implement findings from the current and ongoing wildlife crossing study to deploy safety enhancements such as fence barriers to reduce wildlife from entering the travel lanes on I-70. This component will be implemented through existing Design-Build contracts.
Funds Allocated: $1.4 Million
Work Zone Speed Safety Management
This funding will allow MoDOT to continue work with law enforcement agencies along I-70 to ensure drivers traveling through work zones areas are following the posted speed limits. This will increase safety for both the traveling public and workers on site.
Funds Allocated: $2.5 Million
Traffic Incident Management / Emergency Response Enhancements
MoDOT will use this funding to implement innovative responses to incidents in work zones when lanes may be blocked due to crashes or other activities that impede the flow of traffic such as flooding or snow.
Funds Allocated: $1 Million
Innovation and Technology
MoDOT has long been a leader in the deployment and use of innovative work zone technology, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO). The Improve I-70 Program will be the most innovative reconstruction of an interstate, from both a technology perspective as well as project delivery methods.
Intelligent Transportation System Additions
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) allows for transportation professionals to communicate data about the performance of the system. Having real time data enhances traffic operators’ ability to respond to incidents, adverse weather or capacity constricting events. New and improved Closed-circuit television (CCTV) and Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) will be installed and/or upgraded on Segments A, D, and F. This component will be delivered through the existing Design-Build contracts.
Funds Allocated: $7.8 Million
Smart Work Zone Systems
MoDOT aims to have the safest work zones possible using technology and innovative practices to keep both the traveling public and workers safe. A smart work zone uses technology to better communicate construction information in real time for those entering the work zone. Implementation of these systems has seen a reduction in crashes. Smart work zones will be implemented on all segments of I-70; INFRA funding has been awarded for additional smart work zone safety practices for Segments A, D, and F. This component will be delivered through existing Design-Build contracts.
Funds Allocated: $3.1 Million
Data Driven Analysis
MoDOT will operationalize existing data sets to improve decision making for major planned and unplanned events along the I-70 corridor such as football games, the 2026 World Cup, and major incident management exercises that impact traffic for extended periods.
Funds Allocated: $3.4 Million
Lightweight Deflectometer (LWD)
Lightweight Deflectometer instruments are used for construction acceptance of soils and aggregates. The use of this equipment saves time and is safer for workers while collecting data. The LWD will be acquired using internal procurement procedures and utilize MoDOT field crews during material testing of aggregates along the I-70 corridor.
Funds Allocated: $836K
State of Good Repair
Maintaining I-70 in a state of good repair is one of the primary reasons for the Improve I-70 Program. MoDOT has been able to extract over 60 years of life from the original I-70 pavement and subgrade. The Improve I-70 Program will bring the roadway in compliance with modern design standards and provide pavement structure that will not require major maintenance for 20 years.
Road Weather Information System Additions
Following an existing maintenance plan to increase and improve weather information systems on I-70, MoDOT will improve and expand the quality and availability of road data. This data is critical to MoDOT’s winter weather response to ensure trucks are deployed to the most impacted areas. This component will use existing internal procurement methods.
Funds Allocated: $453K
Resiliency and the Environment
MoDOT is advancing the following initiative to be the least environmentally impactful interstate reconstruction project.
Pollinator Habitat Conservation
MoDOT will identify optimal locations along I-70 for implementation of native pollinator habitats. Native vegetation is beneficial to pollinator wildlife and has the added benefit of needing less maintenance such as mowing.
Funds Allocated: $415K
Workforce and Quality of Life
Outer Road Improvement
MoDOT has seen tremendous value in investing in the outer road system. Outer roads provide connectivity with local access to businesses, residences, and the community while maintaining the access control the interstate requires and providing bypass routes for incident and work zone safety management. MoDOT will install new sections and upgrade existing outer roads in key areas within Segments A, C, and F.
Funds Allocated: $35.1 Million
Workforce Development Program
INFRA funds will be used to bolster the Design-Build workforce efforts and to partner with existing education and training facilities to help develop the next generation of skilled workers in transportation project delivery.
Funds Allocated: $1.5 Million