Missouri to Spend $2.8 Billion Widening I-70

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson had a $859 million vision to expand I-70 in key parts of the state. State legislators had an even more ambitious vision.

1 minute read

May 9, 2023, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


An image taken from the point of view of a driver on a mostly empty freeway, with large overpasses overhead.

Arina P Habich / Shutterstock

The state of Missouri is budgeting $2.8 billion to expand Interstate 70 to a minimum of three lanes in each direction across the state.

Sarah Kellogg reports for St. Louis Public Radio on the budget agreement that cleared the way for the funding. “The original House plan called for nearly $860 million that would have expanded the interstate in the St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City areas,” reports Kellogg.

Additional details on the project are available in a separate article by Kacen Bayless for the Kansas City Star. According to Bayless, the state’s budget for the project is “substantially more ambitious than Gov. Mike Parson’s $859 million proposal earlier this year to extend the highway in three specific spots near Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis.” Planetizen shared news of Gov. Parson’s i-70-widening proposal in January 2023.

“Parson and lawmakers have framed the I-70 expansion as necessary to combat high levels of congestion on the major highway that slices through the state,” writes Bayless. “However, researchers have disputed the idea that highway expansions are a long-lasting solution.”

Friday, May 5, 2023 in The Kansas City Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog