FORISTELL, Mo.— An eager crowd of Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) staff, Missouri politicians and onlookers, gathered in Foristell for a MoDOT ceremonious groundbreaking of the second Improve I-70 project: Warrenton to Wentzville.

What You Need To Know

  • Crews will add a third lane to both westbound and eastbound I-70 between Wentzville and Warrenton and repave existing lanes

  • I-70 will be realigned at the railroad bridge between Wentzville and Route Z

  • I-64 between I-70 and route K is to be widened and various improvements to interchanges and outer roads are planned as well

  • The build team’s committed to keeping two lanes open both ways during peak traffic hours while they fulfill the construction contract expected to be completed in late 2028

“This is a national freight corridor,” said Ed Hassinger, MoDOT Director. “This is going to have huge implications for the state as a whole but it’s also the main street for these cities and counties that we’re going through.”

In the next three years of construction, crews will add a third lane to both westbound and eastbound I-70 between Wentzville and Warrenton and repave existing lanes too. They’ll realign I-70 at the railroad bridge between Wentzville and Route Z.

“You only have to get stuck in traffic from 64 to 70 on a Friday night one time to realize something’s got to get done here,” said Senator Travis Fitzwater, Chair for the Missouri Senate Committee for transportation, infrastructure and public safety. He also was referred to as “instrumental” in acquiring funding for the project.

I-64 between I-70 and route K is to be widened and various improvements to interchanges and outer roads are planned as well. The bridge in Foristell will be replaced. For more information, click here.

“This interstate system behind us, this is the first one in the country for us to be at this point to put six lanes through here from coast to coast of Missouri,” said Dustin Boatwright, Vice Chairman of MoDOT. “That’s a huge deal. It’s a generational opportunity and we’re so blessed to have this opportunity.”

Warren County’s presiding commissioner said the changes will have a big impact beyond traffic flow and safety.

“The enhancements will ensure smoother traffic flow, reduce travel times and most importantly, our roads will be much safer,” said Joe Gildehaus, presiding commissioner for Warren County. “But the project is more than just this infrastructure. It’s about investing in the future of Warren County. Improved transportation means better access to roads throughout our county, attracting new businesses and creating jobs for our residents. This we also strengthen our position in the state, Missouri’s economic landscape.”

The $600 million project is contracted to the Improve 70 Alliance, a group of four contractors: Emery Sapp and Sons, Clarkson Construction, HNTB and Bartlett and West. MoDOT held public meetings earlier this year taking in public comment. This helped lead to the build team’s commitment to keeping two lanes open both ways during peak traffic hours while they fulfill the construction contract. The Warrenton to Wentzville stretch is expected to be completed by late 2028.

Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville was outlined by MoDOT earlier this month, amongst other planned projects beginning this summer.