KANSAS CITY – The groundbreaking of the third project within the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Improve I-70 Program kicked off with an official ceremony today, Sept. 9, in Grain Valley. MoDOT, joined by federal, state and local elected officials, along with members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and its contractor team gathered near I-70 to break ground on Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa.
“Today marks another exciting and historic milestone in MoDOT’s efforts to Improve I-70 with the groundbreaking of the third Improve I-70 project,” said Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Chairman Warren Erdman. “The Missouri General Assembly has provided us with a once in a generation opportunity to bring this transformative improvement to communities along I-70, the citizens of Missouri and those just traveling through.”
Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa is part of a series of projects that will add a third lane in each direction and improve I-70 across the state between Blue Springs and Wentzville. Construction on this project began in September 2025, and completion is anticipated in late 2028. This project was awarded to the Design-Build contractor team the Radmacher-Ideker Joint Venture (Radmacher Brothers Excavating, Ideker, Inc., and Wilson & Company) and includes the following improvements:
- A third lane of I-70 in both directions beginning just west of MO Route 7 in Blue Springs to approximately MO Route H (mile marker 45.3), nearly seven miles past the project requirements.
- Replacement of the existing I-70 lanes with all new full-depth concrete pavement.
- Improved I-70 interchanges at MO Route D in Bates City and at MO Route 131 in Odessa.
- 14 bridge replacements.
- The team has also committed to keeping two lanes of traffic open in each direction during peak travel times.
Those interested in receiving construction details and other updates for this project can sign up for project e-mails at www.modot.org/improvei70/bluespringsodessa. Motorists traveling on I-70 across the state should note that this project will be in construction concurrently with Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City, and Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville. Cross-state I-70 travelers and football fans should plan ahead, allow for extra time, and be vigilant in work zones. Buckle Up. Phone Down.
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.
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