HANNIBAL – Beginning August 11, traffic shifts are scheduled on eastbound I-70 between Warrenton and the Wright City Rest Area (mile marker 194.4 to 197.6) as the Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville project transitions from Phase 1 to Phase 2. Construction crews, in coordination with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will complete new pavement on the eastbound shoulder and begin relocating the temporary concrete barrier wall to accommodate the traffic shift. To complete this work, I-70 will be reduced to one lane in both directions – eastbound and westbound – between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. while crews reposition the barrier wall for Phase 2.
Once the temporary concrete barrier wall is in place for Phase 2, eastbound traffic will be shifted onto the newly constructed pavement and the exiting driving lane. Westbound drivers will see a barrier wall along the left shoulder to separate them from the active work zone. This traffic pattern is expected to remain in effect through early 2026 to allow for the full reconstruction of the permanent eastbound lanes. While two lanes of traffic will be maintained during peak travel times, eastbound lanes will be narrowed to 11 feet. Nightly lane closures between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. may occur throughout the project to support ongoing pavement work.
In September, a similar traffic reconfiguration is planned for eastbound I-70 between Wright City and the St. Charles County line (mile markers 201.0 to 202.8). Nightly lane closures in this area are anticipated between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to accommodate construction work along this segment.
Motorists are encouraged to pay attention in work zones, drive the posted work zone speed limit, and allow extra time for travel. All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change.
The Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville is the second project in MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program and will add a third lane of travel in each direction to I-70 from Warrenton to Wentzville. The project includes the Improve I-70 funding and additional legislatively designated General Revenue funding. It also includes previously allocated funds in the state’s program for other I-70 and I-64 projects, for a total contract of $600 million.
Missouri’s FY2024 budget, approved through the state legislative process and signed into law by the governor, provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue to build a third lane of I-70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on nearly 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville. For more information on the Improve I-70 Program and to sign up for program e-mails, visit http://www.modot.org/improvei70.
For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.
