MoDOT warns of 11-month I-70 closure coming to Kansas City

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is giving drivers advanced warning of a long-term interstate closure in the Kansas City area.

“It’s time to start preparing for the 11-month closure of I-70 from downtown to the stadiums in Kansas City in 2027,” MoDOT recently said.

It’s time to start preparing for the 11-month closure of I-70 from downtown to the stadiums in Kansas City in 2027. More info at https://t.co/RJBh8mkg3o. pic.twitter.com/3rUO3HcjWk

— MoDOT Kansas City (@MoDOT_KC) July 13, 2026

Officials say I-70 will close between Prospect Ave. and Van Brunt Blvd. from January 2027 through December 2027 to allow for construction.

“MoDOT recognizes this closure of I-70 will have significant impacts to regional traffic. However, closing I-70 will allow the mainline I-70 work to be completed significantly faster than if the work was done under typical staged construction. Closing I-70 to perform the work maximizes safety for motorists, pedestrians, and workers and minimizes overall inconvenience to motorists and the local community,” officials said.

See below for detour information from MoDOT.

• During the closure of I-70, drivers are encouraged to seek alternative routes. 
• For local traffic near the project area, MoDOT plans to minimize impacts by keeping nearly all of the streets crossing I-70 opened during construction. 
• Metro-area traffic is encouraged to utilize the highway system throughout Kansas City to navigate the closure. This includes I-435, I-35, I-29, I-635, US-71, or other alternate routes. 
• For those traveling from the downtown Kansas City area to the Truman Sports Complex area and vice versa, MoDOT recommends drivers seek an alternative route such as I-35 and I-435 to the north or US-71 and I-435 to the south. 
• MoDOT will detour regional travelers passing through the KC area on I-70 to use I-435 and I-470 to loop south of the closure. Travelers on the Missouri and Kansas side will be directed to this route using Kansas City Scout’s overhead message boards. 
• Drivers are encouraged to utilize GPS and other navigational tools to find the best route for their specific travels. They are also encouraged to use the MoDOT Traveler Information map for the latest road conditions and traffic impacts. 
• Drivers are asked to plan ahead and expect possible delays as they travel. 
• Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Buckle up. Phone down.

You can learn more about the I-70 closure here.