Breaking Ground on I‑70: Leading the Rocheport to Columbia Corridor Upgrade

We’ve broken ground.

ESS broke ground alongside MoDOT and design partner Parsons on the 13+ mile rebuild of I-70 between Rocheport and Columbia, one of the most vital corridors in Missouri and a stretch our team knows well. With more than 50 years of building Missouri’s infrastructure, our crews know this corridor, these communities, and what it takes to deliver work that lasts.

Since its original construction in 1966, this stretch of I-70 has seen a 500% increase in traffic volumes, which is far beyond what it was designed to handle. That makes this a full-scale upgrade. As part of the Improve I-70 initiative, this $441-million design-build project will modernize this stretch of I-70 by adding a third lane in each direction, improving bridges and pavement, and redesigning interchanges. This will include of 600,000 cubic yards of grading and excavation, more than 1,100,000 square yards of concrete paving, and the construction of 13 new bridges. It is designed to reduce congestion, support freight movement, and fuel economic growth for those who depend on it.

The Rocheport to Columbia segment is one of the busiest in the state, which means safety is our top priority. Our focus is clear: modernizing the corridor safely while keeping Missouri moving.

That means smart phasing, tight coordination, and a relentless focus on work zone safety for both crews and the traveling public. Two lanes will stay open and interchanges will stay active, with crews working in carefully planned phases to maintain traffic flow while progress continues on the ground. ESS is also partnering with MoDOT to reinforce work zone safety awareness throughout the project, because everyone plays a role in getting home safely.

“We’re proud to be out here with MoDOT and Parsons delivering this important upgrade to I-70,” said Josh Doerhoff, Executive Vice President of Operations. “This work comes down to our crews in the field. Planning it right, working safely, and keeping traffic moving while we build. They’re the ones making progress happen every day on a tough corridor, and they’re doing it the right way.”

Construction will run through December 2029. We’ll be here, delivering long‑term improvements that support economic growth, freight movement, and community connectivity. This project is built to last — and built by the people who know this corridor best.