MoDOT is providing updated online information and offering guest speakers to help keep area residents updated about work at the new Interstate 70 interchange.“The city of Warrenton and its consultant did a great job of keeping area residents informed before construction began, and we want to ensure the same audience is aware of the progress being made on a project they funded,” said Erik Maninga, area engineer the Missouri Department of Transportation.Construction on the new I-70 interchange in Warrenton began in September of 2017. Emery Sapp & Sons was awarded the contract for $8,551,941.42.The project was fully funded by the city of Warrenton.Once completed, MoDOT will own and maintain the entire interchange, including the three new roundabouts that will serve as connections to the connecting roads. The only portion of the new interchange that will not be maintained by MoDOT is the new landscaping that the city of Warrenton is installing.“We realize there have been some impacts to drivers, and while we try to minimize inconvenience, we have to ensure the workers and drivers are safe,” Maninga said.Temporary ClosuresLater this month and into next month, Maninga said I-70 may have to be temporarily closed when the girders are being set for the new bridge overpass.“We expect that work to take place at night when traffic is minimal,” he said, adding the closures should be less than 20 minutes at a time.Maninga and his colleagues from MoDOT are available to speak to organizations and businesses about the progress. To request a speaker, call MoDOT at 573-248-2502 or visit www.modot.org/asp/requestExpert.htm. People should complete the form and select Work Zone as the topic.Another upcoming impact will be the temporary closure, up to 35 days, of the intersection of Route MM and Veterans Memorial Parkway, due to one of the new roundabouts overlapping with Veterans Memorial Parkway east of the existing intersection.One way to stay informed on the project is to subscribe to MoDOT’s e-update service. A “I-70 Warrenton Interchange” webpage also is available.“In addition to sharing information about the interchange project, we are happy to discuss what we do, how we involve groups and individuals in the decisions we make, and how you can help shape the future of transportation,” said MoDOT Communications Manager Marisa Ellison.“There are other projects in the area, including the upcoming bridge hydrodemolition on Missouri Route 94 project, the work on Missouri Route 161 bridge in Danville, the resurfacing of Missouri Route 47 from Troy to Hawk Point, and some incremental safety improvements we are making, and we are always glad to speak about those and other related topics,” she added.“Organizations, businesses, households and individuals depend on transportation, and we are pleased to work with the city and area residents to provide a safe, reliable transportation system in the area,” Maninga added.

A December 2017 drone photo shows the dirt work that will be paved to become the roundabouts and the ramps for a new I-70 interchange in Warrenton.

City of Warrenton photo