Jacobs Named Lead Designer on First Design-Build Project Awarded Under Missouri’s Improve I-70 Program

In case you missed it, Jacobs has been selected to lead design for the first design-build project awarded under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)’s Improve I-70 program, a wider $2.8 billion program that will widen and improve nearly 200 miles of Interstate 70 (I-70).

I-70 is the primary east-west corridor in Missouri, connecting Kansas City and St. Louis. I-70 is crucial for commuters and freight movement, with local, regional and national importance, serving as a lifeline for motorists and trucking across Missouri. Since it opened to traffic in 1966, I-70 has seen a 487% increase in average annual daily traffic, yet no significant improvements have been made. 

MoDOT’s Improve I-70 project will alleviate congestion while accommodating projected traffic growth in both rural and urban areas of central Missouri by equipping I-70 with proper capacity and interchange configurations.  This first design-build project in the program, on which Jacobs is leading design for the Millstone Weber-led team, will reconstruct a 20-mile stretch of I-70 between Columbia and Kingdom City, Missouri. 

With an estimated value of $405 million, this first project will improve this critical artery by adding a third lane of travel for both eastbound and westbound traffic, reconfiguring two major interchanges and improving overall traffic operations. 

“As the designer of the first phase of the Improve I-70 program, Jacobs will set the foundation for the rehabilitation of this vital corridor,” says Jacobs Senior Vice President, Chrissy Thom. “This program will foster economic growth by ensuring safer and more efficient travel for years to come.”

New pavement for the entire highway, not just the new lanes, will significantly minimize maintenance demands over the next ten to 15 years. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in both directions to minimize impacts and delays to motorists. As the lead designer, Jacobs will support MoDOT from contract initiation through construction delivery, using the extensive design- build experience gained from working on projects across the country like the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project. 

About transportation at Jacobs

Whether by air, sea, underground or even through mountains, we help our clients move people, goods and freight. Our solutions help plan, develop, finance, design, construct, maintain and operate smart transportation infrastructure that connects people and communities around the world.

We’re strategic, yet practical, helping clients save money while being innovative and environmentally sensitive, and considering community concerns when delivering crucial infrastructure projects across transport modes.