The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is conducting an environmental study of I-70 in Jackson County. The study is a Second Tier Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the future I-70 from the Paseo Boulevard interchange to the Blue Ridge Cutoff interchange.
Why is MoDOT doing the study now?
I-70 is a critical regional and state corridor that was originally constructed over 50 years. With proper maintenance, this facility has outlasted its original design life of 20 years. The stretch of I-70 under study is currently experiencing deteriorating pavement and bridges, traffic delays and congestion, and merging and weaving at interchanges.
The Second Tier EIS will build on and extend the work of the I-70 First Tier EIS for future I-70 that results in the best possible plan to improve the safety and conditions of I-70.
What is the purpose of this study?
The Second Tier EIS will carry forward and refine the needs identified from the I-70 First Tier EIS and conduct an alternatives analysis based on the Improve Key Bottlenecks Strategy.
Through this study, more specific definitions of the improvements and their potential impacts will be developed for consideration by the general public and the various resource agencies. Examples of these improvements include modifying access, fixing existing pavement and bridges, improving interchange ramps, adding collector distributor roads, and providing for bus transit on shoulder.
What is the study area?
The study area includes all land within 200 feet of the I-70 First Tier EIS Selected Strategy (Improve Key Bottlenecks) defined footprint from west of the Paseo Boulevard interchange to east of the Blue Ridge Cutoff interchange in Jackson County, Missouri. Download the study area map here.
What is the project timeline?
The study will last about 30 months and conclude in spring 2014.
Will the study lead to construction projects?
There is currently no funding for design or construction, so a start date cannot be estimated. Only routine maintenance will occur in the foreseeable future.
Developing transportation improvements involves four phases:
- planning
- environmental
- design
- construction
The I-70 Second Tier EIS is the in the environmental phase. The remaining design and construction phases are contingent upon available funding. Anywhere from a few to many years could be needed to complete the entire process.
Click here for more information on how an idea becomes a road.
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