Marina
Work in progress along Interstate 70 (I-70) in Missouri’s Improve I-70 corridor has recently become the site of multiple overnight crashes near the Warrenton–Wentzville stretch.
As lane shifts, barrier moves, and narrow lanes converge, the work zone hazards are real and pressing. This article dives into the latest incidents, safety responses, and what drivers should do to navigate this evolving and dangerous stretch.
Recent Overnight Crashes & Incidents
In one of the most alarming recent events, a semi-truck flipped onto its side and caught fire right next to active construction zones—within only 20 feet of where crews were working.
Local officials note there have been multiple crashes during the overnight hours in the same section. (This aligns with reports that in a week, around 15 accidents were recorded in the eastbound lanes near Stracks Church Road)
One crash involved a tow truck, which further blocked lanes and contributed to extended closures of I-70 between Warrenton and Wright City. Fortunately, the drivers were reported safe.
Warrenton–Wentzville remains a particularly delicate segment under construction, with repeated incidents drawing public concern.
Project & Work Zone Overview
The Improve I-70 initiative is a massive corridor upgrade spanning nearly 200 miles, scheduled to finish by 2030. The Warrenton to Wentzville section is under design-build contract, with an estimated cost around $600 million.
Current work includes nighttime barrier wall relocation, lane narrowing, and traffic reconfigurations. For instance, the contractor has been switching barrier walls from eastbound to westbound lanes overnight to prep for upcoming phases. No major traffic shifts were active on one recent night, but crews made barrier adjustments.
Project planners have also rolled out lane widening, additional warning signage, and striping adjustments to ease transitions through work zones.
Accident Statistics & Law Enforcement Measures
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crashes in one week (eastbound I-70, Stracks Church Road) | ~15 | Includes overs on semis, passenger vehicles |
| Traffic citations issued recently | 103 | Since increased enforcement began |
| Speeding citations (subset) | 75 | Many exceeding limit by 26 mph+ |
| Project cost for Warrenton–Wentzville | ~$600 million | Under design-build contract |
| Project full corridor length | ~200 miles | Missouri I-70 upgrade length |
| Target corridor completion | 2030 | Full Improve I-70 timeline |
Because of the crash pattern, law enforcement has intensified patrols in the zone. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) has teamed with STORM (Strategic Traffic Operations & Rapid Mobilization) to saturate high-risk areas.They employ troopers, motorcycles, and strategic deployment to deter speeding and reckless driving.
Officials also note the absence of shoulders makes pull-overs and enforcement especially hazardous.
Why Are Crashes So Frequent Overnight?
Several compounding factors contribute to the elevated risk:
- Reduced visibility and lighting conditions at night
- Worker proximity — one crash occurred just 20 feet from active crew areas
- Lane narrowing and shifting geometry make navigation trickier
- High speed and aggressive driving in a construction zone
- Lack of shoulder space, offering minimal recovery room
- Driver confusion over new signage or unexpected transitions
As one local resident put it: “There’s a lot of lane changes and a lot of people get confused.”
How MoDOT & Project Teams Are Responding
- Adjusting geometry: widening lanes where possible to reduce tight squeezes
- Additional signage & striping: to alert drivers earlier and more clearly
- Patrol increases: more troopers visible in work zones to deter unsafe driving
- Barrier repositioning during off-peak hours: done overnight to minimize daytime disruption
- Public communication: warnings to drivers to maintain spacing, slow down, and stay alert
Even so, officials acknowledge the corridor is uniquely dangerous: “there’s not any other stretch of highway like this stretch of [Interstate] 70.”
What Drivers Should Do
- Slow down — obey posted construction zone speed limits
- Keep ample following distance — avoid tailgating
- Be alert for abrupt lane shifts, barrier moves, and signage
- Avoid distractions (phones, infotainment)
- If needing to pull over, find appropriate spots — shoulders may not exist
- Heed warnings and adjust expectations — delays and changes may come
The overnight crashes along the Improve I-70 work zone between Warrenton and Wentzville underscore the serious challenges of upgrading a busy interstate while maintaining safety. With semi-truck overturns, barrier relocations, and multiple accidents concentrated in narrow, shifting lanes, drivers and authorities alike face heightened risk.
In response, MoDOT and MSHP are stepping up both engineering measures and enforcement efforts. For motorists traveling through, vigilance, lower speeds, and patience are essential. This is a high-stakes stretch of highway, and every driver’s caution can make the difference.