Video: Building the Foundation of the New Benton Curve

Late last week, you might have heard -- or felt! -- the work underway along the Benton Curve if you were traveling on I-70 near downtown Kansas City. This phase of work on the Improve I-70 KC project is focused on the reconstruction of the Benton Curve, a critical component of the broader I-70 improvements designed to enhance safety, reliability, and long-term performance of the corridor. 

When unexpected geotechnical challenges were encountered, the Clarkson-Radmacher Joint Venture, working close collaboration with design partner HNTB, developed an innovative alternative to the traditional concrete drilled shaft approach.

Instead, crews installed 48-inch steel pipe piles, driving them more than 100 feet into the ground using an 80,000-pound hammer. These piles now form the foundation of the future westbound I-70 bridge over Truman Road, ensuring the structure is built to withstand demanding conditions for decades to come.

This milestone is especially significant because it marks the first time this type of pile installation has been performed in Missouri. To successfully execute the work, our welders and field teams learned and applied new techniques to meet the demands of this highly specialized process, a testament to the skill, adaptability, and problem-solving mindset required to deliver complex infrastructure projects.

Moments like these highlight how collaboration, innovation, and experienced crews come together to keep progress moving forward, even when challenges arise beneath the surface.

Learn more about the Improve I-70 KC project, including timelines, planned improvements, and overall project goals on the Missouri Department of Transportation's website.