The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is hosting two, in-person public meetings as part of an I-70 Environmental Study Re-Evaluation between The Paseo to east of U.S. 40. Since the previous study was completed nearly five years ago, conditions have likely changed and public input is necessary.

A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) re-evaluation of the project area is needed to gain a current understanding of those changes. The re-evaluation is scheduled to be complete by the end of March 2023.

I-70 is a vital lifeline for moving people, goods and information across Missouri and beyond. This interstate was constructed more than 50 years ago, and with the availability of additional federal and state funding, now is the time to make it fully functional for the demands of the 21st century. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is improving aging infrastructure along Interstate 70 between The Paseo and just east of U.S. 40. Several bridges, as well as pavement along this corridor, have been patched and repaired many times, but are now at the point where they must be replaced. While this work is underway, it is the perfect opportunity to improve connectivity between the neighborhoods. This project is one of many being considered to modernize the I-70 corridor throughout Kansas City.

Improve I-70 KC Goals include improving safety and reducing crash rates and crash severity on I-70; reducing congestion by removing key bottlenecks, reducing the potential for ramp back-up onto the freeway, and improving multi-modal travel times in coordination with plans put forward by local and regional agencies; restoring and maintaining existing infrastructure like bridges and pavement conditions on I-70, and implement cost-effective investment alternatives. The initiative will improve accessibility by providing travel options for residents, increasing safe access across I-70 for non-motorized travel, and supporting local and regional land use plans. The plan will also improve the efficiency of freight movement on I-70.

Several bridges, as well as pavement along this corridor, have been patched and repaired many times, but are now at the point where they must be replaced. While this work is underway, MoDOT says it is the perfect opportunity to re-connect the neighborhoods which were separated by the original construction of the interstate. This project is one of several which will modernize the I-70 corridor across the state. 

The MoDOT Kansas City District, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration are in the process of re-evaluating the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of I-70 between The Paseo to east of U.S. 40. A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) re-evaluation is necessary because the Final EIS document was last updated almost five years ago and the existing conditions, possible solutions, potential impacts, and related mitigation measures may have changed.

An environmental study re-evaluation is a process to review the environmental impact categories and commitments to ensure that any recent changes to the corridor are incorporated into the document. 

During the current phase of work these are the primary goals: e-evaluate potential impacts of the previously determined preferred alternative, current conditions and related mitigation measures that may have changed.

Engage with stakeholders to provide a project status and update previous feedback. Prepare the project to move forward into design.

To learn more about the project and provide valuable feedback, please plan to attend one of two open house public meetings. Both meetings are conveniently located on Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) bus routes. A translator will be available for Spanish-speaking attendees. Face masks may be required.

Those who are unable to attend in-person can submit comments on an interactive map and access information on the project website at http://www.modot.org/improvei70kc.