HANNIBAL - Weather dependent, beginning March 16, crews with the Improve I-70 Warrenton to Wentzville Project will begin paving operations at the Wildcat Drive interchange at Wright City in Warren County. Construction crews, in coordination with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will place asphalt pavement to widen ramp areas to prepare for future traffic shifts associated with upcoming phases of the I-70 improvement project.

This work will require nighttime ramp and lane closures at the interchange for approximately four nights. The eastbound I-70 off-ramp and the westbound I-70 on-ramp at Wildcat Drive will be closed overnight as needed between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. to allow crews to safely complete paving activities. Lane closures along Wildcat Drive may also occur during the paving operations. Traffic will still be able to utilize Wildcat Drive, but flaggers will be on site directing traffic as needed. Motorists should watch for message boards and posted signage directing traffic during closures. All ramps will reopen each morning.

Following paving work, modifications will be made to convert the Wildcat Drive interchange to a four-way stop configuration at the ramp terminals. Crews will install new signage and pavement markings to enhance traffic control and improve safety at the intersection during construction. Barrier wall will be placed on the Wildcat Drive bridge to allow for a dedicated detour lane in association with the detour for the Route 47 bridge closure at Warrenton. This configuration change is temporary and will return to normal configuration upon completion of the Route 47 bridge construction in late summer 2026.

Motorists are encouraged to pay attention in work zones, drive the posted speed limit, remain alert, and allow extra time for travel. All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change.

This work is part of the Improve I-70 Warrenton to Wentzville Project covering the eastern portion of I-70. It was awarded in November 2024. Construction is tentatively set to continue through 2028.

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 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.