I-70 in Missouri to be widened to three lanes

On I-70 in Missouri, an expansion of the roadbed connecting the two states is planned.

 Gov. Mike Parson has signed several bills that will allocate a budget of $52 billion for the next fiscal year for repairs on I-70.

Missouri DOT said “many sections of the road are operating at their limits” and outdated interchanges are increasing congestion and reducing economic activity.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough (GOP, Springfield) said repairs could begin as early as the fall to improve the first 200 miles of the highway.

“Our largest investment this session has been accompanied by the Governor’s continued efforts to rebuild our infrastructure, namely I-70,” Hough said in his speech. – To those who say we can’t afford it, I say we can’t afford to miss it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and now is the time.”

The expansion of the entire route is expected to take four to five years.

The state budget also includes an 11% pay increase for the Missouri Highway Patrol. The pay increase should increase the number of new officers in Missouri.