Sunday marks final night of lane closures on I-70 in Columbia near Range Line Street
Euphenie Andre
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Drivers traveling along eastbound Interstate 70 near Range Line Street can expect some relief beginning Monday morning.
The Missouri Department of Transportation said Sunday night marks the final night of lane closures in the area, as crews complete ongoing paving and striping work.
Over the weekend, one lane of eastbound I-70 between Range Line Street and U.S. 63 was closed around the clock. MoDOT crews have been working continuously since Friday to construct new eastbound lanes near Paris Road, part of a major infrastructure improvement project.
“Just leave ahead of time. That is key,” driver Damian Dean, who frequently travels through the construction zone said. “Normally, I leave early enough that it doesn’t bother me, but when you forget about it, or when traffic backs up near Stadium Boulevard, that becomes a problem.”
All ramps in the area remain open, though MoDOT is encouraging people to drive with caution tonight as crews finish the final phase of this weekend’s work.
The department expects the road to fully reopen by 6 a.m. Monday.
“That’s good for traffic flow, especially after the weekend travel,” Dean said. “And then people with the new amount of travelers coming through i-70 from all the trucks and all.”
The closure is part of the state’s Improve I-70 Program, a $405 million initiative focused on expanding the highway from Columbia to Kingdom City. The project includes adding a third lane in each direction and making major interchange upgrades at Routes 63 and 54. Once complete, MoDOT said drivers can expect safer and more efficient travel across mid-Missouri.
MoDOT continues to urge drivers to remain alert in active work zones by slowing down, putting phones away, and following all posted signage.