Heads up, Columbia residents and through travelers—Business Loop 70 is about to hit pause on its usual traffic flow. Starting mid-November, a segment of this well-trodden path will be out of commission for two weeks due to the construction of a new roundabout. In a report issued by MoDOT, the closure between Hathman Plaza and Eastland Circle will stretch from Nov. 12 through Nov. 26, so if you're planning on navigating these parts, you'll need to pinpoint an alternative route.
While this temporary shutdown might seem like a hassle, it's for the greater good. The roundabout, which is set to open on the tail end of the closure, is promised to offer direct access to and from eastbound I-70. But don't hold your breath for an immediate connection—those eastbound lanes on I-70 are still under construction, with a planned completion in late 2027. In spite of the disruption, all local businesses in the construction zone will maintain their accessibility, ensuring support to the local economy doesn't falter.
MoDOT is urging motorists to practice patience and caution—strap in with seatbelts, stash away that phone, and heed traffic signs. The safety dance includes slowing down and moving over in work zones. All this, of course, is contingent on the whims of weather which could reroute these plans at the drop of a hat.
This roundabout business is part of a grander scheme under the Improve I-70 Program, specifically the "Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City" project. This initiative, worth $405 million, isn't just about adding some concrete here and there—it's a comprehensive overhaul adding a third lane to I-70 in both directions for a 20-mile stretch. Also in the cards are some necessary upgrades to the U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54 interchanges. It's a hefty investment, bolstered by Missouri's FY2024 budget, which poured $2.8 billion in General Revenue to make the dream of a more robust I-70 a reality, as noted by MoDOT.
