Missouri Gov. Mike Parson had a $859 million vision to expand I-70 in key parts of the state. State legislators had an even more ambitious vision.
The state of Missouri is budgeting $2.8 billion to expand Interstate 70 to a minimum of three lanes in each direction across the state.
Sarah Kellogg reports for St. Louis Public Radio on the budget agreement that cleared the way for the funding. “The original House plan called for nearly $860 million that would have expanded the interstate in the St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City areas,” reports Kellogg.
Additional details on the project are available in a separate article by Kacen Bayless for the Kansas City Star. According to Bayless, the state’s budget for the project is “substantially more ambitious than Gov. Mike Parson’s $859 million proposal earlier this year to extend the highway in three specific spots near Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis.” Planetizen shared news of Gov. Parson’s i-70-widening proposal in January 2023.
“Parson and lawmakers have framed the I-70 expansion as necessary to combat high levels of congestion on the major highway that slices through the state,” writes Bayless. “However, researchers have disputed the idea that highway expansions are a long-lasting solution.”
FULL STORY: Missouri lawmakers pass budget with $2.8 billion plan to expand I-70 across the state
A Texas Freeway Revolt
The thirst for urban expansion and new highway capacity hit a roadblock on the fringe of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis.
Maryland Highway Widening Plans Moving Forward Under New Governor
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is differentiating his new administration from his predecessor’s, but some projects, like the widening of federal highways in the Capital Beltway, stay the same.
I-95 Widening Breaks Ground in Virginia
A mile-and-a-half-long section of Interstate 95, which handles 80,000 vehicle trips a day, will be expanded in Virginia. The project includes a new shoulder, lighting, and noise walls.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie