MoDOT celebrates past, present and future of I-70

“I70 has been part of Missouri’s story for generations. As we look toward the future, MoDOT remains committed to ensuring I70 continues to evolve to meet tomorrow’s needs through the Improve I-70 Program.”

MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger

Missouri holds a special place in the nation’s transportation history as the birthplace of the Interstate Highway System. On Aug. 13, 1956, construction began in St. Charles on the first segment of Interstate 70 in the United States. To commemorate this milestone, MoDOT hosted “Celebrating 70 Years of I70,” an anniversary event honoring both the past and future of this vital corridor.

Held at the St. Charles Convention Center, the event featured classic cars, historical photos, maps, a detailed I70 timeline and interactive displays. Guests enjoyed a photo booth, musical performances from the St. Charles Big Band, and appearances by the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals mascots in recognition of the I70 baseball series.

Speakers from MoDOT as well as local, state and federal partners reflected on I70’s history and its next chapter. This important interstate spans across Missouri and has been a major driver of the state’s economic growth for seven decades. The Improve I-70 Program is working to continue that growth for the next seven decades and beyond by expanding the interstate to three lanes in each direction from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

The program is split into eight projects, with an additional project planned to update truck parking availability along the entire corridor. Five of the projects are currently underway and the full completion of the corridor is anticipated by the end of 2030.

Photos from the “70 Years of I-70” event are available on Flickr. Learn more about the future of I-70 on MoDOT’s website.