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The ESS Team Secures Huge Win on Improve I-70 Rocheport to Columbia
Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) continues to pave Missouri history — this time as the lead contractor on the Improve I-70: Rocheport to Columbia Project, one of the most significant segments in Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) statewide Improve I-70 Projects. As part of The ESS Team, a design-build partnership between ESS and Parsons, our employee-owners secured a $441-million project to expand and modernize one of the highest-traffic sections of interstate in the entire state.
This award gives the ESS team an opportunity to help further transform Columbia, advancing an inspiring vision set forth by MoDOT and championed by ESS for more than 50 years. This milestone project will continue that legacy at the heart of the Columbia community ESS calls home.
The ESS Team brings together the strength of the ESS heavy civil construction capabilities with Parsons’ industry-leading design-build expertise. Together, we bring deep Missouri roots and a proven track record delivering complex, high-stakes infrastructure projects.
MoDOT’s decision reflects the depth, capability, and proven performance of the ESS team. Over the past five years, ESS has delivered more than 117 Department of Transportation projects totaling over $700 million and is currently executing the Improve I-70: Warrenton to Wentzville corridor—the largest project within the Improve I-70 program and the largest contract in MoDOT history. This transformational work spans major interchanges, long-life pavement, heavy structures, complex traffic phasing, and large-scale earthwork.
The Rocheport to Columbia segment will improve the 13-mile stretch of Interstate 70 from the Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport to approximately U.S. Route 63 in Columbia. Improvements include:
- Adding a third lane in each direction
- Reconstructing aging pavement and bridges
- Upgrading major interchanges and local connections
- Improving flow for both regional traffic and daily commuters
- Enhancing safety, reliability, and long-term mobility
This corridor sees some of the highest volumes on I-70, with usage soaring nearly 500% since 1966. These upgrades will reduce congestion, support freight movement, and fuel economic growth across Boone County and beyond.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026, with substantial completion scheduled for December 2029.
The Improve I-70 Projects is reshaping transportation across the state. ESS is proud to help lead that effort — project by project, mile by mile. The addition of a third lane, reconfigured interchanges, and new infrastructure will keep pe moving safely and efficiently for decades.
A huge thanks to the employee-owners who powered this pursuit from day one. Congratulations for bringing in yet another big win and milestone achievement!
