The City of Columbia has been awarded a $2.13 million Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to fund a planning study for the Business Loop.
The I-70 Business Loop (formerly US Highway 40) was once a vibrant commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri. After the construction of Interstate 70 in the 1960s, the street was transformed into a five-lane bypass road to the interstate and became a barrier to residents still seeking a place to stop and gather.
This is the first step to take in preparation for a capital improvement project that will upgrade the entire street. Features to be studied will include a complete streets design, storm water management, beautification elements, and design improvements to intersections, bike lanes, and pedestrian connections. The recommended improvements will reinvigorate the corridor, connect a number of historically neglected communities, and support a growing network of community services, education opportunities, and commercial centers along the corridor.
Why does it cost more than $2 million for planning?
It's a big project! Not only does the planning area go from Stadium Blvd. to the new Conley Road Bridge, there's a lot of goals we're trying to accomplish. We need a comprehensive stormwater management plan to prevent flooding and allow redevelopment on vacant lots; an environmental impact analysis due to the amount of construction required; an assessment of traffic patterns to improve access to businesses; detailed engineering for new sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes; and even some economic development planning.
Think of it as creating architectural blueprints before beginning construction on your home—it’s a way to make sure the foundation is strong, assess the proper building materials, map out the size and shape of the house, and estimate construction costs.
Even more important, most funding sources for capital improvement projects require detailed engineering plans--they want to fund shovel-ready projects. Doing due diligence now and creating a plan is the best way to secure what we anticipate will be about $25 million necessary for the actual road construction and rebuilding.
We are excited to partner with the City of Columbia and MODOT on this project--and partner with the people of Columbia as well. So keep an eye out on our website for opportunities for input and updates on our progress.
Project to be completed by December 31, 2028
