Yesterday, MODOT presented final recommendations for improvements to the stretch of I-70 running through Columbia with a focus on the I70-Hwy 63 interchange. To date, only their proposal for the interchange is funded but even unfunded proposals go on the books in case future funding appears.
Here is a quick update on the issues most impactful for the Business Loop. MODOT will be having a public meeting at the ARC on Wednesday, November 2 from 4 to 6 pm and we encourage everyone to attend for more details and to offer your input.
The recommended proposal would include 2 flyover lanes connecting 63 south to I70 west--essentially allowing travelers from the south to bypass the interchange to head west into Columbia or beyond. It would also reduce the number of signals in the intersection from 3 to 2. This would eliminate about 17% of current traffic in this intersection and simplify--as much as possible--the intersection itself.
This plan would also eliminate the left exit (a bridge) from I-70 onto the Business Loop. MODOT would eliminate this to allow room for the flyover lanes and to divert funds that would be required to improve the safety of that bridge to the rest of the project.
MODOT does not have funding to do all at once but will phase it in over time. MODOT does not have details on the phases.
MODOT proposed removing a portion of the ALDI parking lot to add a "slip lane" for drivers heading west on I-70 from the Business Loop. This would allow drivers to bypass the roundabout, which slows down traffic. The Loop CID Board determined that this slip ramp would present an increased danger to pedestrians at an intersection flagged by MODOT's Community Advisory Group as dangerous to pedestrians and those with disabilities. Until the surrounding area has safe and accessible options for pedestrians, we opposed these changes.
MODOT recommended this change anyway. This proposal is currently unfunded.
MODOT proposed adding two outer roads between Providence and Rangeline because the exits are close together. Drivers attempting to enter or exit via Rangeline would instead be routed to an outer road, stop at a signal at Providence, and then enter/exit via the existing ramps on Providence.
The Loop CID Board did not support the addition of the north and south outer roads between Providence and Rangeline, nor the proposal to limit immediate access from I-70 to Rangeline (or vice versa). We don’t believe that drivers should be redirected to the signal at Providence. In addition, MODOT has a plan (unfunded) on the books to add a 3rd lane to I-70 and there is concern that adding 2 outer roads and 2 new lanes would require taking too much property.
MODOT recommended this change anyway. This proposal is currently unfunded.
| MODOT proposed adding an additional exit east of Rangeline, essentially extending Parker on the north down to the Business Loop. It would not be a traditional exit but instead another outer road linked to the Rangeline ramps. The Loop CID supported this plan because it would add an additional access point to Business Loop on the east should the existing left exit off I-70 be removed. MODOT eliminated this option. On the off chance that MODOT will accept any adjustments to their plans, they will be having a public meeting at the ARC on Wednesday, November 2 from 4 to 6 pm and we encourage everyone to attend for more details and to offer your input. |
