Travelers navigating through Columbia, Missouri, should brace for significant changes as the eastbound Interstate 70 (I-70) exit ramp to U.S. Highway 63 is now closed due to ongoing road construction. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced that this closure, which began on the evening of July 9, is expected to last until the morning of Friday, July 12, barring any weather-related delays.
The closure is part of the statewide “Improve I-70” infrastructure initiative, a multimillion-dollar project aiming to modernize and expand one of Missouri’s most heavily used highway corridors. For Columbia-bound visitors or those passing through central Missouri, the temporary closure will disrupt usual traffic patterns and necessitate alternative travel routes.
What This Means for Travelers and Daily Commuters
The affected ramp connects eastbound I-70 traffic directly to U.S. 63, a critical junction for accessing downtown Columbia, the University of Missouri, and regional destinations in Boone County. The closure impacts both leisure travelers visiting mid-Missouri and commercial traffic moving between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Motorists heading east on I-70 who normally take the U.S. 63 exit will need to detour, as direct access is temporarily unavailable. MoDOT has placed highly visible detour signage throughout the area and urges drivers to plan ahead, especially during peak travel times.
Recommended Detour Routes
For travelers approaching from the west, such as those coming from Kingdom City or farther along I-70, MoDOT recommends the following alternative routes:
- Use Stadium Boulevard exit (Exit 124) to connect to southbound U.S. 63.
- Missouri Route 763/Range Line Street remains an alternative corridor into Columbia for those avoiding congestion.
- Local traffic can also use Grindstone Parkway or Clark Lane, depending on their final destination within Columbia.
MoDOT stresses the importance of obeying all posted signs and traffic instructions to avoid confusion and ensure safety near the construction zone.
Long-Term Benefits: A Critical Investment in Missouri’s Travel Infrastructure
This ramp closure is just one phase of a much larger undertaking. The “Improve I-70” project, launched in 2023 with bipartisan support and federal funding, includes plans to expand I-70 to three lanes in each direction from Blue Springs to Wentzville. The segment between Columbia and Kingdom City is among the first prioritized for widening due to its heavy volume of commercial and tourist traffic.
According to MoDOT, this upgrade is essential to accommodate growing transportation demands, reduce congestion, and improve long-term safety. Columbia sits at the crossroads of multiple interstate routes and is home to the state’s flagship public university, making the I-70/U.S. 63 interchange a vital piece of Missouri’s economic and logistical network.
Weather Could Impact Timeline
Although the closure is scheduled to end by Friday morning, July 12, MoDOT warns that inclement weather could delay construction progress. Heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, or extreme heat could all affect roadwork conditions. Travelers should stay alert for updates through:
- MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map
- MoDOT’s X (formerly Twitter) @MoDOT_Central
- Local radio and news outlets across Columbia and Boone County
Real-time information will help motorists make informed decisions and avoid last-minute disruptions.
Local Impact: Tourism and Business Considerations
Columbia, often dubbed “The Athens of Missouri,” attracts thousands of visitors year-round for events at the University of Missouri, the True/False Film Fest, and scenic outdoor spaces like Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. This ramp closure could affect hotel check-in times, arrival at campus tours, and tourism-related business operations. Local hospitality providers are encouraged to advise guests in advance and share alternative driving directions.
Additionally, businesses relying on trucking and logistics between Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis will need to factor in minor delays. MoDOT estimates that travel time through the detour could increase by approximately 5 to 15 minutes, depending on time of day and traffic density.
A Step Toward a Safer, Smarter Highway System
Once completed, the I-70 expansion will increase capacity, reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, and streamline Missouri’s east-west mobility. MoDOT officials reiterated their commitment to completing this phase as efficiently and safely as possible, with minimal disruption to road users.
“This short-term inconvenience is a crucial step in ensuring long-term efficiency and safety on I-70,” said MoDOT District Engineer Paula Gough. “We appreciate the public’s patience and encourage everyone to stay informed through our digital resources.”
Traveler Tip:
Visitors heading to Columbia during this closure week are advised to budget extra time and consult GPS navigation apps updated with construction data. Some platforms like Google Maps and Waze are already incorporating the closure into route planning.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
