I-70 Major Investment Study

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Q. How will we pay for improvements?

A. It is important to know that any improvements identified through this study are not yet funded.   Funding for Missouri roads and highways compared to neighboring states is very low.   The AAA estimates that it costs Missouri drivers $.51 a mile to travel, and only $.01 currently goes towards road construction and maintenance.   Funding for any improvements is likely to come from a variety of sources, including state and federal funds.

Q. What kinds of changes are planned?

A. We don't know yet what the solution to congestion on I-70 might be, but it is likely to be a combination of strategies.   Some early ideas include new pavement, changes to interchanges, traffic management systems, mass transit and alternate routes.    Whatever solutions are put forward, they must coordinate with the findings of the Northland MIS and other I-70 Studies between Kansas City and St. Louis.

Q. Why can't we do something about the trucks on I-70?

A. Commercial trucks are an important user of I-70.   MoDOT has to balance the needs of both commercial and passenger travelers, as well as the needs of both local and through traffic.

Q. Why is the pavement so bad?

A. I-70 was constructed in the 1960s and was expected to last 20 to 25 years, so it is already well past its planned life.   Citizen input has identified the repaving of I-70 in Jackson County as a top priority.   Work on some of the worst sections will begin this year.

Q. What's the difference between this study and the statewide study?

A. MoDOT is undertaking a series of studies that will develop solutions to problems along I-70 across the state.   The I-70 MIS is looking specifically at issues on I-70 in Jackson County, Missouri.

Q. What role does public involvement play in the I-70 MIS?

A. Public involvement plays a paramount role in the MIS process.   Because this study is focused primarily on defining the problem and literally starts with a blank slate in terms of finding solutions, the public can exert a tremendous influence on the process.    Citizens will not simply be asked to comment on a finite number of solutions.   They will be asked to help define the problems being addressed and then to offer suggestions for resolving those problems.

Q. What will the I-70 MIS produce?

A. The I-70 MIS will provide Greater Kansas City with a clear definition of the challenges they face and recommended steps for addressing those challenges.   The I-70 MIS report will provide the basis for future study by identifying concepts for improving travel in the I-70 corridor in Jackson County.

Q. Why is the I-70 MIS being conducted?

A. The I-70 MIS is being conducted because future demand on the portion of I-70 in Jackson County will outgrow the capacity of the existing highway.   By conducting this study now, the region will be able to prepare for the future.   Given the long-term nature of possible improvements in this corridor, this early planning is absolutely critical.

Q. What is a Major Investment Study?

A. A Major Investment Study, or MIS, is conducted to help communities resolve complex transportation problems by defining the challenges they face and offering preliminary concepts for how those challenges might be met.   An MIS does not necessarily produce a specific project, such as widening a section of highway.    It does, however, identify overall strategies for improving the transportation system.

Q. How will decisions be made?

A. MoDOT, MARC, KCATA and a team of consultants will gather data such as travel demand, origins and destinations of trips in the corridor and environmental details.   They will gather public input through various tools.   They will evaluate the data and the public input and, based on experience and expertise, and with the benefit of an ongoing dialogue with citizens and leaders in the corridor, will detail their findings and recommend future actions. The study team will meet with the public in roundtables, public meetings and other means throughout the process to ensure their ongoing input.