Creating an easier, safer, and smoother I-70 Interchange System.
The I-70 Cave Springs to Fairgrounds project is a Design-Build project that will make improvements to address the connectivity, safety and congestion problems that have impacted this region for decades.
Construction Update
The new Veterans Memorial Parkway arch underneath the Cave Springs interchange is now open! This means outer road traffic will not have to stop at a signal at Cave Springs.
View weekly traffic impacts
Explore the I-70 Plan
Click or tap the yellow dots below to learn more about the changes happening throughout the project area.
Project Schedule
2013
Cave Springs and Zumbehl Interchange Study completed by City of
St. Charles.
2018
I-70 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study from
Wentzville to Mississippi River completed.
2019
I-70 from Cave Springs to Fairgrounds identified as a regional
priority.
2019
MoDOT funds the project in the 2020-2024 Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
2020
Project designated as Design-Build and project team formed.
Winter 2020 - Spring 2021
Public engagement period.
Early 2022
Project awarded to Best Value Proposer
Summer 2022
Construction begins.
Summer 2022
Lanes narrowed in both directions of Interstate 70 at the Cave
Springs and Zumbehl interchanges
Summer 2022
Construction begins on new bridges at Zumbehl over I-70 and at
Cave Springs over I-70 and Veterans Memorial Parkway
Fall 2022
Lanes narrowed and shifted on Cave Springs over I-70
Spring 2023
Traffic will be shifted to the new bridges at Zumbehl over I-70
and at Cave Springs over Veterans Memorial Parkway. Current Cave
Springs and Zumbehl bridges will be demolished
Summer 2023
Construction begins on new North outer road between Fairgrounds
and Route 94.
Summer 2023
Construction begins at Route 94
Summer 2024
Interchange work complete.
Late Fall 2024
North Outer Road work complete
Connectivity
The outer roads in the area are disconnected which sends local traffic onto the interstate or other local streets. Improving connectivity in the area would make travel more natural, reduce congestion and use the available space wisely. This would create an ease of access for residential and commercial properties.
Safety
Delays cause traffic to back up onto I-70, creating a serious risk to safety. The interchanges have a higher than average crash rate. Between 2013 and 2017 the average crash rate in the area was more than 40% above the statewide average rate.
Efficiency
The Cave Springs and Zumbehl interchanges often experience traffic jams making it tough for traffic to flow through the area. During the morning rush, vehicles crossing the interchange average a speed of 18 mph on Zumbehl Road and 7 mph on Cave Springs.
Project Goals
1
Improve connectivity for the local community while
maximizing safety and efficiency of the transportation
network within the program budget of $62 million.
2
Provide a durable and maintainable transportation infrastructure allowing for future expansion.
3
Minimize impacts to the traveling public during construction while safely delivering the project by June 28, 2024.
4
Deliver the project using a diverse workforce.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goals (DBE)
- 14% for Construction Activities
- 20% for Professional Service Activities
- 14.7% Minority
- 6.9% Female
Understanding the Issues
Connectivity
The I-70 outer road system is not complete, making it difficult to navigate. The map below shows the two main areas of discontinuity.
Safety
Crashes occurring from 2015-2019 within the Project Corridor are shown in the graphic below. The highest density of crashes occur in and around the major I-70 interchanges.
Efficiency
Traffic congestion is typically the highest during AM and PM rush hours. The maps below show the predicted congestion in 2045 if no changes are made to the I-70 Interchange System.
