Contract Awarded for I-70 Expansion in Eastern Cooper County

Missouri transportation officials select $104 million bid to add third lane to 13-mile stretch

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:23pm

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The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has awarded a $104 million contract to Capital Paving and Construction to add a third lane to 13 miles of Interstate 70 through eastern Cooper County. The project, which is expected to begin this spring and wrap up in late 2028, will also include the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Route B and Americana Drive near Exit 103.

Why it matters

This section of I-70 has long been a bottleneck for traffic, especially during peak travel times. The expansion project aims to improve traffic flow and safety along this crucial east-west corridor through central Missouri.

The details

The winning bid from Capital Paving and Construction was the lowest of the proposals submitted following the completion of the project's design by engineering firm Burns and McDonnell. In addition to the third lane expansion, the project will also include the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Route B and Americana Drive just off Exit 103.

  • The contract was awarded on February 5, 2026.
  • Construction is expected to begin this spring.
  • The project is anticipated to be completed by late 2028.

The players

Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission

The state agency responsible for overseeing transportation infrastructure projects in Missouri.

Capital Paving and Construction

The construction firm awarded the $104 million contract to expand the 13-mile stretch of I-70 in eastern Cooper County.

Burns and McDonnell

The engineering firm that completed the design work for the I-70 expansion project.

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What’s next

Construction on the I-70 expansion project is expected to begin this spring and be completed by late 2028.

The takeaway

This major infrastructure investment in central Missouri's transportation network aims to alleviate a long-standing traffic bottleneck and improve safety and efficiency along this critical east-west corridor.