Major weekend I-70 closure starts Friday: What drivers need to know

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Drivers heading through Kansas City this weekend should prepare for significant delays as crews completely shut down a major stretch of Interstate 70.

Starting Friday, July 31, eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 will close between 23rd Street and the U.S. Route 40/31st Street interchange. The closure is scheduled to remain in place until 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3.

The closure will allow crews to perform bridge work, including installing girders at the Cleveland Avenue bridge.

Ramps and lanes will shut down progressively throughout the day on Friday ahead of the full closure:

Friday, July 31 Traffic Impacts (Approximate Times)

• 9 a.m.
  • Left lane closed on westbound I-70 from Blue Ridge Cutoff to 27th Street.
  • Ramp closed from Van Brunt Boulevard to westbound I-70.
  • Ramp closed from US-40/31st Street to westbound I-70.
• 10 a.m.
  • Center lane closed on westbound I-70 from Manchester to 27th Street.
  • Ramps closed to eastbound I-70 from 23rd Street, Jackson Avenue, and Van Brunt Boulevard.
• 12 p.m.
  • Ramps closed from northbound and southbound I-435 to westbound I-70.
• 1 p.m.
  • Westbound I-70 completely closed at US-40/31st Street (Exit 7A).
• 8 p.m.
  • Eastbound I-70 completely closed at 23rd Street (Exit 4C).

All lanes and ramps are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3. All scheduled work is weather permitting. Drivers are strongly encouraged to seek alternate routes.