COLUMBIA – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is inviting the public to provide feedback on a study of Interstate 70 through Columbia, including potential alternatives at the I-70/U.S. Route 63 Connector.
The study, a re-evaluation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) completed in the mid-2000s, is designed to identify ways to improve the interstate as it crosses through Boone County. The section of I-70 under review is an 18-mile stretch from just east of Route BB (Exit 115) to just east of Route Z (Exit 133) in Boone County. The re-evaluation is necessary to identify changes to existing conditions, possible solutions, potential impacts, and related mitigation measures.
The I-70/Route 63 Connector reconfiguration was added to MoDOT’s 2023-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which was approved by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission on Wednesday, July 6. That project will be completed as a design-build project and is estimated to cost approximately $140 million.
Motorists and nearby residents and business will be able to access information and provide comments virtually or in person. An online public comment period will be available from Wednesday, July 13 through Sunday, July 31. Study information, potential alternatives and an online comment form will be available at www.modot.org/improvei70Columbia.
An in-person public meeting will also be held on Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Columbia Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), located at 1701 W Ash St, Columbia, MO.
No formal presentations will be made during the open house-style meeting. Attendees can stop by at any time during the meeting to view project materials and potential alternatives, as well as speak with the I-70 study team. Comment forms will be available for those wanting to provide feedback.
This meeting is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Masks are optional. To request other special accommodations and/ or study information, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT or email adam.pulley@modot.mo.gov.
To learn more about the study and for future updates, visit www.modot.org/improvei70Columbia.
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