Columbia drivers are set to smoothly navigate the holiday traffic with the recent opening of Business Loop 70. Following the completion of roundabout construction between Hathman Place and Eastland Circle, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) confirmed that the road was reopened to traffic on the morning of November 26, well in time for the Thanksgiving rush.
The closure, which began on November 12, was a key phase in a larger initiative designed to consistently reduce congestion and enhance the flow of traffic on the I-70 corridor. Despite the closure, all nearby businesses managed to remain accessible. This is a part of MoDOT's first project under the "Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City" program, which aims to more directly connect Business Loop 70 to eastbound I-70 by late 2027. MoDOT's website provides further details on the program.
The roundabout is just one element in a much broader $405 million project, intended to add an additional lane in each direction on the 20-mile section between Columbia and Kingdom City. This substantial initiative also encompasses new pavement for all three lanes and interchange improvements at the U.S. Route 63 and U.S. Route 54 junctions with I-70.
Representing a significant investment into the state's infrastructure, Missouri's FY2024 budget has allocated $2.8 billion in General Revenue to the expansion of I-70, laying the groundwork to eventually widen nearly 200 miles of highway that stretch from Blue Springs to Wentzville. MoDOT invites motorists "to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones." Citizens interested in staying updated with the progress can sign up for e-updates on the aforementioned MoDOT website.
