Crashes along Improve I-70 work zone overnight

WARREN COUNTY, Mo. – Interstate 70 between Warrenton and Wright City was closed for multiple hours Tuesday morning due to a pair of crashes.

A crash involving a tow truck closed I-70. Later that morning, a semi truck flipped on its side and caught fire—just the latest in a series of crashes along the I-70 construction corridor.

The drivers involved have been reported safe.

"When that semi caught on fire, it was about 20 feet from where they're working," says Wright City Alderman Ramiz Hakim said. "They're there working and able to help pull people out. But it's not a recipe for success.

“There's no shoulder for a police officer to pull someone over. If you were breaking the law, what are they supposed to do? I am empathetic, but there's not any other stretch of highway like this stretch of [Interstate] 70."

The Improve I-70 Project is in the early stages of the statewide expansion that will add a third lane in either direction. But the 200-mile long project won't be fully complete until 2030.

"I find it kind of dangerous myself," driver Linda Nash said. "I drive from Wenztville to Florissant to see my parents. There's a lot of lane changes and a lot of people get confused I think."

According to Eric Kopinski, Improve I-70 project director, there are no traffic shifts scheduled for Tuesday. The contractor is moving the barrier wall from eastbound I-70 to westbound I-70 overnight. This will allow the location to be ready for the next phase of the project which is scheduled for late next week.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has and will continue to step up patrols along the I-70 work zone.

MoDOT is listening and making changes as the project is underway. They have widened some lanes where possible, added additional signage urging drivers to slow down.

"I think people shouldn't be riding bumper to bumper," driver Mikiah Marshall said. "Have a car length space in between and just patience. We need some patience on the highway."