Construction on I-70 slows traffic as MoDOT demolishes exit ramp

COLUMBIA, MO. (KMIZ)

Drivers on eastbound I-70 in Columbia experienced significant delays Saturday, as construction crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation worked to demolish the westbound exit ramp to Business Loop 70.

The ramp removal is part of the ongoing "Improve I-70" project aimed at redesigning one of mid-Missouri’s busiest interchanges.

Around 5:30 p.m., traffic became congested as vehicles were funneled into a single lane near the Paris Road and U.S. Route 63 stretch. MoDOT crews shut down part of eastbound I-70 to remove the permanently closed left-hand exit, forcing trucks and cars to slowly navigate the narrowed path.

The larger construction effort includes plans for a new roundabout, which will eventually allow drivers easier access to and from eastbound I-70.

According to MoDOT, the long-term goal is to alleviate chronic congestion at the I-70 and U.S. Route 63 interchange but not without some short-term frustration. Many drivers expressed confusion and concern over the current traffic setup.

"It is still pretty busy and all the lines are different and there are some cones and it's not very clear," driver McKenzie Nelson said. "I thought I had to merge with other people like you would normally do, but you still have your own lane which is nice but I didn't expect it."

MoDOT has issued warnings about potential delays throughout the weekend. Nelson said the construction added about 10 minutes to her drive.

"I'd say the flow is a little bit hindered," Nelson said. "I don't think it's major but you definitely just have to be more cautious because people are just kind of doing their own thing and not paying attention to the lines. So, I think it's more so driver awareness than like the lines themselves."

An ABC 17 News reporter observed westbound I-70 conditions throughout the day and saw the worst traffic buildup around 2 p.m.

Drivers should expect continued lane changes and delays until 6 a.m. Monday, when MoDOT plans to reopen the closed section.