Fans asked to take I-435, alternate routes to opener

KANSAS CITY -- Because sections of Interstate 70 west of Kauffman Stadium are closed, the Royals are encouraging fans to use Interstate 435 and alternate routes when driving to Friday night's 7:10 p.m. CT game against the Astros.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 near I-435 were closed after a semi-tanker overturned early Friday morning, spilling hazardous and flammable material. The highway is not expected to re-open until well after the game starts.

Highway 40 is expected to be extremely crowded due to diverted traffic.

For fans headed eastbound from downtown, recommended alternate routes include Highway 24 (Independence Avenue), Route 78 (23rd Street) or Truman Road. For those headed westbound from Blue Springs, Mo., fans may use 23rd Street to I-435 South or Highway 40 to 47th Street and proceed to Raytown Road.

Fans are encouraged to allow extra time to get to the stadium. For updates, go to www.kcscout.net.