Take a quick but action-packed cruise through the urban core of Kansas City as we follow Interstate 670 west for a single mile packed with bridges, buildings, and bustling traffic. This sunken artery slices through the heart of downtown, offering a compact yet vivid glimpse of the city’s dynamic skyline and cultural pulse.
We begin our journey at the eastern terminus of I-670, where it branches off from the busy interchange of Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 71. This junction is a vital connector for east-west traffic aiming to bypass the congestion of the I-70 loop, and as we merge onto the westbound lanes of I-670, the cityscape immediately surrounds us. Towering structures close in, and we pass beneath a series of overpasses and elevated tracks—concrete and steel veins interlacing through downtown Kansas City.
As we drive deeper into the Power and Light District, a vibrant neighborhood known for its nightlife, entertainment, and historic architecture, we’re briefly shaded by the overhead span of the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center—a striking design that literally bridges the highway. The road itself is sunken slightly below street level in places, framed by retaining walls and lined with graffiti-tagged concrete, echoing the gritty vibrancy of the city’s creative undercurrent. The hum of traffic and the proximity of the buildings create a canyon effect, emphasizing how deeply embedded this route is within the downtown fabric.
The drive ends just as quickly as it began, at the interchange with Interstate 35, where we exit southbound. Though only a mile long, this short run on I-670 captures a cross-section of Kansas City’s urban energy—from modern civic structures to the historic bones of a revitalized downtown. It’s more than a connector; it’s a vital slice of the city in motion, reminding us how even the shortest routes can carry a city’s pulse.
This video was originally produced in collaboration with CrossCounty Travelers, a now-retired travel group.
🗺️ Route Map
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