For drivers accustomed to enduring multiple traffic signals while transitioning from northbound U.S. 63 to westbound Interstate 70, Friday night’s lane closure on I-70 represents meaningful progress toward a more efficient route.
Westbound Interstate 70 will narrow to one lane Friday evening near the U.S. 63 connector as construction crews perform final bolt installation on a new flyover ramp engineered to relieve one of the interchange’s most congested traffic patterns.
The closure will remain in effect from 7 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday.
Westbound I-70 motorists will be guided up and over the ramps at the connector, while access across the connector bridge will also be limited.
MoDOT’s Improve I-70 Central Project Team Director, Spencer Robinson, reported that crews positioned the steel girders for the flyover earlier this month.
“(Friday night), crews will be going up, doing those final bolt tightening adjustments, making sure everything is tightened perfectly and in place,” Robinson said. “Then we’ll be able to start putting the decking on top and begin actually pouring the deck of the new flyover ramp.”
The ramp will ultimately provide drivers traveling northbound on U.S. 63 with a direct connection to westbound I-70.
Currently, those motorists must exit onto the connector and navigate through three traffic signals, including a left turn onto the westbound entrance ramp. Robinson indicated that this left-turn movement frequently generates substantial backups during morning and afternoon rush hours.
“You see lots of fans traveling this direction, waiting through several light cycles trying to get through,” Robinson said.
Robinson noted that the journey can require five to six minutes on a favorable afternoon and considerably longer during peak weekend periods.
Once the flyover commences operations, drivers will experience a more streamlined commute, according to Robinson.
“You’ll just be able to continue up a little farther north, exit off to the left, take a ramp and merge directly onto westbound I-70,” Robinson said.
He stated that the direct connection should reduce travel time by several minutes, enhance predictability of travel duration, and “virtually eliminate” the extensive backup in the connector’s left-turn lane.
The flyover is scheduled to open by the conclusion of 2026. Robinson confirmed that the work is currently progressing on schedule and potentially slightly ahead of timeline, contingent upon weather conditions.
During Friday’s closure, southbound U.S. 63 motorists originating from north of Columbia can reach I-70 via Range Line Street. Northbound drivers traveling from south of Columbia seeking westbound I-70 access can utilize Stadium Boulevard.
MoDOT is also requesting that drivers passing through the construction zone fasten their seatbelts, refrain from phone use, adhere to posted traffic signage, and reduce speed or relocate lanes when appropriate.
For motorists who have experienced prolonged frustration with construction surrounding the interchange, Robinson acknowledged that additional work remains forthcoming.
Construction east of U.S. 63 is anticipated for completion by the end of 2027, while work around the U.S. 63 interchange will persist through the conclusion of 2029.
Robinson explained that numerous improvements scheduled after 2027 will be constructed offline, resulting in only minimal disruption to drivers.
“We are moving absolutely as fast as we can to get through this construction as fast as possible,” Robinson said. “Give yourself a few extra minutes before your commute, plan ahead, map out your trip to make sure there’s no closures so you don’t get caught off guard by anything.”
Robinson also emphasized the importance of reducing speed and avoiding phone use while navigating through work zones.
“Give our workers space to work safely out here so that you and them can get home safe at the end of each and every day,” Robinson said.
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