The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is planning to upgrade Interstate 70, one of the state's busiest highways. Over the next five years, the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) will be funding I-70 and other projects around the state to the tune of $14 billion.
For state lawmakers, the I-70 expansion is a priority.
Governor Parson and the legislature recommend that Missouri spends $2.8 billion on I-70 improvements, which would allow MoDOT officials to widen I-70 clear across the state.
"So, the focus on I-70 will be to widen it across the state, which will have a significant impact on the entire state," said Paula Gough, the northeast District Engineer for MoDOT.
"I-70 for the first project to go to six lanes on I-70, and I was glad to see that happen," said Representative Greg Sharpe.
The funding will help with additional planning, design, construction, reconstruction, and repair.
St. Louis and Kansas city are connected by I-70.
"Everyone is impacted on a daily basis by transportation, whether you're someone who drives, or you shop at the grocery store, and the goods get delivered to that grocery store,” Gough added. “So, it's vital to have a safe and functioning transportation system."
Missouri will get funding from STIP from 2024 to 2028 to upgrade other infrastructure throughout the state.
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Source: KTVO.com
