Road conditions Kansas City remain clear and dry as December 2025 begins, with no active weather-related travel advisories across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Commuters across both Missouri and Kansas are experiencing normal driving conditions this morning, with mild late-fall temperatures and light traffic in most neighborhoods.
Transportation departments in both states, including the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), have confirmed that all major interstates and highways are open and operating normally as of December 1, 2025.
Current Overview: Smooth Travel Across the Metro
Road crews report that all major routes—including I-70, I-35, I-435, and U.S. 71—are clear with no closures or delays due to weather. Temperatures across the Kansas City metro are in the upper 40s, keeping road surfaces dry and safe for travel.
Morning commute times remain within typical ranges for early December. MoDOT and KDOT have both stated that no active snow or ice treatments are underway, though salt trucks and plow equipment remain ready as winter weather approaches later this month.
Key routes currently clear and open:
- Interstate 70 (east–west): Free-flowing from Independence through Kansas City, Kansas.
- Interstate 35 (north–south): No congestion between Liberty and Olathe.
- Interstate 435 (loop): Light to moderate traffic, especially near the State Line Road interchange.
- U.S. Highway 71: Smooth travel reported south of downtown Kansas City.
Drivers are advised to maintain normal speed limits and remain cautious of early morning fog in lower-lying areas west of the Missouri River.
No Weather-Related Issues on December 1, 2025
This week starts with calm, dry weather and clear skies across the metro area. Local meteorologists report that no rain, snow, or ice is expected through midweek, giving drivers a break from the unpredictable late-fall conditions often seen this time of year.
As of this morning, there are no active winter weather advisories or warnings in Jackson, Clay, Platte, Wyandotte, or Johnson counties. The next chance of measurable precipitation is forecast for late December 5, when light rain could move into western Missouri.
Road crews remain on standby to begin pre-treating bridges and overpasses if temperatures drop below freezing overnight later in the week.
MoDOT and KDOT Winter Readiness
Both Missouri and Kansas transportation departments have completed their annual winter preparation programs, ensuring snowplows, salt trucks, and material storage facilities are ready for the winter driving season.
As of December 2025:
- MoDOT has more than 200 plow trucks assigned to the Kansas City district.
- KDOT has approximately 160 snow-removal vehicles designated for the metro and surrounding counties.
- Both agencies maintain 24-hour monitoring operations at district headquarters to respond quickly to any winter event.
Crews have already stocked thousands of tons of salt and sand mixture for anti-icing treatment. Both states emphasize safety and coordination, often sharing updates with each other and local law enforcement during storms.
Traffic Flow and Construction Zones
While weather isn’t affecting travel today, several construction and maintenance projects continue across Kansas City, impacting daily traffic flow in some corridors.
Current active construction zones:
- I-70 near downtown Kansas City: Bridge repair work continues between Benton Boulevard and 18th Street. Expect overnight lane reductions through mid-December.
- I-35 in Johnson County: Pavement resurfacing between 87th Street Parkway and Santa Fe Drive is ongoing with occasional shoulder closures.
- I-435 interchange at State Line Road: Road widening and ramp improvements are causing minor lane shifts through late December.
- U.S. 169 Buck O’Neil Bridge: Reconstruction work continues with periodic northbound lane closures during off-peak hours.
MoDOT officials recommend drivers use the KC Scout traffic system or Google Maps to plan alternate routes when traveling during morning or evening rush hours.
Despite these projects, there are no major full closures disrupting citywide travel at this time.
Public Transportation and Commuter Updates
Public transportation in Kansas City is operating without delays. RideKC bus and streetcar services are running on standard schedules today, with all routes fully operational.
The KC Streetcar, which runs from the River Market to Union Station, continues to operate with frequent service every 10–12 minutes. There are no route detours or mechanical disruptions reported as of this morning.
Commuters using park-and-ride lots in Kansas City, Kansas, and Independence are also experiencing normal capacity and on-time bus departures.
RideKC has advised passengers to monitor mobile alerts as winter progresses since weather changes could impact transit schedules later in the month.
Safety Tips for December Driving
As winter approaches, local authorities urge drivers to prepare vehicles and plan for changing road conditions in Kansas City over the coming weeks. While today’s conditions are favorable, sudden temperature drops can create icy patches overnight—especially on bridges and elevated roads.
Recommended safety tips from transportation officials:
- Keep a winter emergency kit in your car, including blankets, flashlights, and extra phone chargers.
- Maintain at least a half tank of gas to prevent fuel line freezing.
- Check tire pressure and tread depth regularly.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance during wet or icy conditions.
- Avoid cruise control when roads are slick.
Law enforcement agencies across the metro remind drivers that road safety also depends on attentiveness and avoiding distractions behind the wheel.
Expected Conditions for the Week Ahead
Looking ahead to the first week of December 2025, Kansas City drivers can expect mostly dry weather with daytime highs in the upper 40s and nighttime lows near freezing.
Meteorologists are watching a potential system developing late next weekend that could bring light rain or flurries, but it’s too early to determine whether it will affect driving conditions.
For now, no hazardous weather is on the horizon, and travel throughout the metro should remain smooth for commuters and holiday shoppers.
MoDOT and KDOT will continue providing real-time road updates through their online traveler maps, which display live traffic speeds, construction zones, and winter maintenance activity.
Emergency Response and Accident Statistics
As of the start of December, both state transportation agencies report lower-than-average crash totals compared with last year. MoDOT’s Kansas City District recorded fewer weather-related accidents in November 2025, largely due to the mild conditions and proactive road maintenance.
Local police departments continue to monitor high-traffic areas like I-70 Downtown Loop, I-635, and U.S. 71 South, where congestion-related fender-benders are most common.
Drivers are encouraged to move their vehicles safely to the shoulder in case of a minor collision and contact emergency services if injuries occur. The Highway Patrol and KC Scout emergency teams remain active 24/7 for incident response.
How to Stay Informed on Kansas City Road Conditions
Both residents and visitors can access live updates on road and traffic conditions using free public tools.
Reliable ways to stay informed:
- KC Scout Traffic Map: Offers real-time traffic camera feeds and congestion reports.
- MoDOT Traveler Information Map: Displays roadwork, closures, and winter maintenance in Missouri.
- KDOT KanDrive Map: Provides Kansas road conditions, including snow plow locations and live weather overlays.
- Local TV and radio traffic updates: Offer continuous coverage during morning and evening rush hours.
- Smartphone navigation apps: Google Maps and Waze display live traffic speeds and alternative routes.
These resources update continuously throughout the day and are the most accurate ways to monitor Kansas City traffic and weather impacts.
Drivers across Kansas City can expect smooth travel today, with all major highways open and clear—though it’s always smart to stay alert as winter weather draws near.