Royals encourage fans to use I-435 & alternate routes on trip to Kauffman Stadium tonight

Following discussions with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Kansas City Royals are encouraging fans to use Interstate 435 and alternate routes when driving out to Kauffman Stadium this evening. The Royals host the Houston Astros at 7:10 p.m.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the I-435 junction remain closed following an accident in which a semi-tanker overturned around 5 a.m. this morning. Due to the hazardous, flammable material involved in the incident, MoDOT believes that the reopening of the I-70 may not occur until well after 8 p.m.

I-435 will offer the best access to the Truman Sports Complex, as officials are anticipating that Route 40 will be heavily congested this afternoon and evening due to the diverted traffic from I-70. 

For fans headed eastbound from downtown, recommended alternate routes include Highway 24 (Independence Ave.), Route 78 (23rd St.) or Truman Road. For those headed westbound from Blue Springs, Mo., fans may use 23rd St. to I-435 South or Highway 40 to 47th St. and proceed to Raytown Rd. Fans are encouraged to allow extra time to get to Kauffman Stadium this evening. 

For updated information and up-to-the-minute views of the unfolding cleanup efforts, please visit www.kcscout.net.