Lane changes and speed reductions planned for I-70 as bridge work continues

Some major traffic impacts are planned for Interstate 70 this week that are expected to impact drivers in Columbia.

Starting Tuesday night at 8:00, crews will redirect westbound traffic at Rangeline to the new westbound bridge built there.

On Wednesday night at 8:00, crews will also redirectwestbound traffic at Garth to the new westbound bridge built there.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation said starting next week, crews will then shift eastbound traffic to the old westbound bridge.

MODOT officials discussed the changes ahead of Tuesday’s big lane switch at a Tuesday morning news conference. MODOT emphasized that major traffic impacts are expected for motorists in Columbia and is encouraging local traffic to take alternate routes.

Missouri Highway Patrol Sergeant Scott White discussed work zone safety at the news conference Tuesday morning. White said the speed limit on I-70 through the work zone will be reduced from 60 to 50 mph.

The work is all part of the ongoing I-70 bridge replacement project that will build three new bridges over Rangeline, Garth, and Business Loop 70 near West Boulevard. That project is expected to wrap up next fall.