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History made: Improve I-70 Program Warrenton to Wentzville groundbreaking ceremony
The I-70 Program Warrenton to Wentzville project has officially begun, and Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) is proud to be part of the Improve 70 Alliance Joint Venture team leading the way.
On March 20, 2025, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated project, marking the official start of the largest construction project in MoDOT history. This $600-million project is part of a broader initiative to modernize and expand I-70 across the state.
Breaking ground
The project team, a joint venture between Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) and Clarkson Construction Company (Clarkson), in association with HNTB Corporation (HNTB) and Bartlett & West, Inc. (B&W), is tackling the work that will improve travel for generations to come. The Improve 70 Alliance was awarded this historic contract in November 2024, and now the work begins.
Attended by key MoDOT leaders, state representatives and local officials, the groundbreaking ceremony underscored the commitment to improving Missouri’s roads while boosting safety, mobility and economic opportunities across the region.
This portion of the I-70 program includes the following improvements:
- Constructing a third lane in each direction on I-70 from Warrenton to I-64 in Wentzville, including replacing the existing I-70 lanes and shoulders with new full-depth concrete pavement
- Interchange improvements at I-70 and I-64/Route 61
- Interchange and outer road improvements in Foristell, Wright City, Warrenton and Route Z
- Realignment at the railroad bridge on I-70 between Wentzville Parkway and Route Z
- Addition of a third lane of travel to eastbound and westbound I-64 between I-70 and Route K
Safety first, always
The project team aims to minimize construction impact while keeping everyone safe — construction workers, commuters and travelers alike.
A Smart Work Zone system will provide real-time updates to drivers, so there will be no surprises when it comes to lane shifts, traffic slowdowns or other changes during construction. The team plans to keep two lanes open in both directions during peak travel times, minimizing disruptions as much as possible.
“The Improve 70 Alliance is committed to delivering a project of the highest quality, and that includes making sure it’s done safely,” said Josh Doerhoff, executive vice president of ESS. “From construction staging to real-time communication with motorists, we’re putting safety first.”
Building Missouri’s future
This project will modernize and improve Missouri’s I-70 corridor, which plays a critical role in state travel. With more than 61,000 vehicles traveling this stretch daily, these upgrades are crucial to the region’s transportation infrastructure.
The Improve 70 Alliance is proud to help build lasting infrastructure upgrades for Missouri. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Doerhoff spoke about the importance of this project not just today, but long-term.
“We’re excited to be a part of this transformation and to contribute to the continued growth of our state,” Doerhoff said, acknowledging the collaborative effort that will help make this vision a reality.
The project is expected to be completed in late 2028, but the impact will be felt far beyond that. ESS is thrilled to be part of this milestone project, working to build a stronger, safer and more efficient I-70.
