If you’re home today, consider yourself fortunate. Highways and interstates across Kansas City remain closed in many places with delays a near-guarantee.

If you’re home today, consider yourself fortunate. Highways and interstates across Kansas City remain closed in many places with delays a near-guarantee.

### If You’re Home Today, Consider Yourself Fortunate: Kansas City Highways and Interstates Closed Amid Severe Delays

**Kansas City commuters, take note: If you’re staying home today, you’re one of the fortunate ones!** Highways and interstates across the city have been heavily impacted by unexpected closures, with many routes completely shut down due to weather, construction, and accidents. For those who planned on venturing out today, be prepared for significant delays and a potentially long day of detours.

#### Widespread Closures Across Kansas City

The Kansas City metro area is experiencing one of the most disruptive traffic days in recent memory. A combination of weather-related events, roadwork, and accidents has resulted in multiple highway and interstate closures, leaving drivers frustrated and searching for alternative routes.

Key routes such as **Interstate 70**, **Interstate 35**, and **Interstate 49** have been either partially or fully closed in some areas, while **U.S. Route 71** and **State Route 9** have also been significantly impacted. The closures have created a ripple effect, with surrounding streets becoming congested as drivers attempt to navigate their way around blocked highways.

According to local traffic authorities, it’s not just one part of the city that’s affected—traffic jams and closed roadways span a large portion of Kansas City, both on the Missouri and Kansas sides of the border.

#### Why Are Roads Closed?

Several factors have contributed to today’s chaotic traffic situation. First and foremost, **weather conditions** have played a major role, with severe storms, rain, and slick roads making travel hazardous. Additionally, **construction projects** that were already in progress have been slowed or halted, further complicating the situation.

**Accidents and incidents** are also contributing to the closures. In some cases, crashes have resulted in overturned vehicles or spilled cargo, requiring emergency crews to shut down lanes to ensure the safety of first responders and other drivers.

While closures are common in cities, the scale of the disruption today has caught many commuters off guard. According to the Kansas City Traffic Authority, authorities are advising drivers to stay off major highways unless absolutely necessary.

#### Delays Are Almost Guaranteed

For those who still plan on braving the roads today, be prepared for significant delays. Traffic is already backed up in many areas, with **commute times nearly doubling** in some places due to the blocked routes and diverted traffic. As is often the case during major traffic disruptions, GPS systems may struggle to keep up with the real-time changes in road conditions, so detours could take drivers to unexpected spots, further compounding the delays.

Local authorities are advising that those with flexible schedules consider staying home for the day, as delays are expected to persist throughout the morning and well into the afternoon.

#### What to Do if You Need to Travel

If you must head out, here are a few tips to help navigate the road closures:

1. **Plan Ahead** – Check local news stations or traffic apps for updates on road closures and accidents before heading out. Some apps even offer real-time traffic data to help you reroute.

2. **Expect Longer Travel Times** – Make sure to give yourself extra time for your journey, and avoid high-traffic periods if possible.

3. **Use Public Transportation** – For those who are trying to avoid the chaos, **KCATA (Kansas City Area Transportation Authority)** provides bus services that might offer more predictable routes during this time.

4. **Stay Safe** – With hazardous weather conditions and slick roads, it’s crucial to drive with caution. Slow down, maintain a safe distance, and ensure your vehicle is equipped for the conditions.

#### What Happens Next?

Local authorities are working hard to clear accidents and reopen the affected highways, but it’s unclear when full access will be restored. Weather conditions, ongoing construction, and the volume of traffic on detours are expected to slow recovery efforts.

For now, residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news channels, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), or the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for the latest updates.

#### Conclusion: Stay Home If You Can

While it’s easy to feel frustrated with the road closures and delays, today is a reminder of how important it is to stay safe. If you’re at home today, count yourself lucky, as you’re avoiding the chaos that’s unfolding on Kansas City’s highways and interstates. For those who need to travel, patience and careful planning are key—be prepared for a slower than usual commute.

We will continue to provide updates on road conditions, so stay tuned for more information on the situation as it develops.