MoDOT plan includes local projects

Missouri’s proposed transportation improvement program includes more than 100 projects worth more than $587 million, two of which will be in Jackson County.

The projects include Interstate 70 and Interstate 435, where funds will improve capacity of Blue Ridge Cut-off and U.S. 40 for about $34 million.

Also included is improvement to I-70 and U.S. 40 in Grain Valley, where funds will relocate north Outer Road using $4 million.

The 2009-2013 transportation program has a $4.35 billion statewide highway and bridge budget and includes $300 million in new construction projects.

The $140 million bonded amount, combined with state savings from using Practical Design on projects and local matching funds, allows the Missouri Department of Transportation to tackle these new highway projects over the next five years, including additional lanes, interchange improvements and congestion relief.

The draft 2009-2013 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program lists all transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2009 through 2013. The proposed program is available for public review now through June 27.

Citizens interested in seeing the program or offering comments can contact MoDOT's customer service centers at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636). The program is also available on MoDOT’s Web site – www.modot.org.