Improve I-70: Rocheport to Columbia project breaks ground

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The groundbreaking of the next project within MoDOT's Statewide Improve I-70 Program kicked off with an official ceremony today, May 7, in Columbia. Congressman Mark Alford (U.S. Representative, District 4) and Missouri. Gov. Mike Kehoe joined numerous federal, state, and local elected officials and leaders, along with members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) and its Design-Build contractor team to break ground on Improve I-70: Rocheport to Columbia.

"MoDOT's Statewide Improve I-70 Program is transforming Missouri's oldest interstate corridor," explains MHTC Vice Chairman Dustin Boatwright. "As a commissioner, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the tremendous amount of work that goes into delivering projects of this scale. Through the Design-Build process, we are achieving exceptional value in each project that moves forward. Today's groundbreaking ceremony - our fifth in this historic program - commemorates our commitment to improving this critical interstate corridor and the regions and travelers it serves."

Improve I-70: Rocheport to Columbia is a $441 million Design-Build project that will add a third lane of travel in each direction and make other improvements along 14-miles of I-70 between approximately the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport and U.S. Route 63 in Columbia. This project was awarded in December 2025 to The ESS Team, led by contractor Emery Sapp & Sons and their designer Parsons. It is the fourth construction project awarded within MoDOT's Statewide Improve I-70 Program. Construction begins in Spring 2026 and is s cheduled for completion in late 2029. The project includes:

• A third lane in each direction to I-70 between the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport and approximately U.S. Route 63 in Columbia, with all new 11" full-depth concrete pavement.

• Improvements to the I-70 interchanges/intersections at Route J/O, Midway (Route 40), Stadium Boulevard, Business Loop 70, Providence Road, Rangeline Street, and U.S. Route 63.

• 14 new bridge structures.

• New north and south outer road connections across Perche Creek.

• The team has also committed to keeping two lanes of travel open in each direction during peak travel times.
  

"This project represents a significant investment in Missouri's future," explained Emery Sapp & Sons Executive Vice President Josh Doerhoff. "We're proud to lead this effort as a Missouri-based, employee-owned company committed to delivering safe, high-quality infrastructure."

By summer 2026, three Improve I-70 Program projects will be underway in central Missouri, between Boonville and Kingdom City. While two lanes of travel will be open along I-70 during peak travel times, motorists can anticipate reduced speed limits and narrowed lanes across the state. Motorists are urged to drive the posted speed limit, eliminate distractions, and allow for extra time.

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 .

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