COLUMBIA – Information is being made available regarding the possible removal of the Interstate 70 westbound exit ramp at Business Loop 70, along with the 64-year old bridge over eastbound I-70 in the City of Columbia, west of the I-70/U.S. Route 63 Connector. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is inviting nearby residents and motorists to share their thoughts.
MoDOT says removal is necessary since the bridge is reaching the end of its service life. In addition, the left-side exit ramp is contrary to driver expectations. Studies indicate crashes may be reduced by as much as 25 to 70 percent with the use of right-side ramps over left-side ramps.
The exit ramp currently carries approximately 2800 vehicles per day. The existing ramp demand can be served by the I-70 interchanges at Missouri Route 763 (Rangeline Street) and Route 63 at Route WW (Broadway Street).
The project would include the construction of a parallel deceleration lane for the westbound I-70 exit ramp at Rangeline Street to help mitigate congestion. In addition, signing will be adjusted to extend the Business Loop to the I-70/Route 63 Connector by making use of the new Conley Road extension.
The project is not yet programmed in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). Official designs will be drafted once funding becomes available.
Motorists and area residents can find more details, ask questions or provide feedback on this project by visiting modot.org/BusinessLoopRamp. The online public comment period is open through Friday, September 24.
For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook and Twitter for project updates.
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