COLUMBIA, Mo. – Range Line Street at Interstate 70 will be closed for 20 days beginning May 3, with I-70 eastbound traffic being switched to the new bridge over Range Line the night of May 2.
While the off-ramps at the interchange and the eastbound I-70 on ramp will remain open, drivers will only be able to make right turns as there will be no through lane open on Range Line.
Motorists are advised to avoid the work area as much as possible, as traffic delays and backups are likely, especially on side streets.
“Our primary focus is to keep traffic from backing up on I-70, which means there will likely be minor delays on other routes as a result,” said Travis Koestner, assistant district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Central District. “We’re going to do all we can to keep traffic moving on I-70, which unfortunately puts more pressure on the nearby side streets.”
Eastbound I-70 drivers whose destination is south of I-70 are encouraged to use Stadium Boulevard to bypass the construction, although they can still go right on Range Line as well. Those needing access north of the I-70 work area can take Providence Road, though Koestner warns Providence could move slowly due to the additional traffic volumes.
“Taking Providence as an alternate route is certainly an option, but if everyone uses that road, it could be a problem,” Koestner said. “If drivers have other ways than Providence to get around the work zone, it would be wise to use them.”
Route 63 travelers should use Stadium Boulevard to avoid the I-70 construction.
The reopening of the westbound I-70 on ramp at the Business Loop interchange by the end of next week will help ease some traffic congestion.
The Range Line closure will allow the contractor, Emery Sapp and Sons, to build a “dogbone” interchange at Range Line and I-70. The interchange, sometimes called a double roundabout interchange, will consist of two tear-shaped roundabouts that join together to form a single roundabout. Video animations showing both the old and new Range Line interchange can be found on the project website at www.modot.org/ColumbiaBridges.
Here’s a look at the timetable for other upcoming work:
Mid-May - The new bridge at Garth will be slid into place.
June 13 - Business Loop at I-70 will close for 45 days to build a dual-lane roundabout on
the south side of I-70 and to reconstruct Business Loop where it crosses under I-70.
The work is part of the project to replace the Interstate 70 bridges at Garth Avenue, Range Line Street and Business Loop. More information on the project can be found at www.modot.org/ColumbiaBridges.
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Note: Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation and Emery Sapp and Sons will be available at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 2 in the Comfort Suites parking lot, 1010 Business Loop 70W, Columbia, to discuss the upcoming closure of Range Line Street.