93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
About 75 to 80 people turned out for Thursday’s open house to see detailed maps of the proposed $9-million project to upgrade Columbia’s heavily-traveled Highway 63 and Grindstone Parkway interchange.
State Department of Transportation (MoDOT) project manager Zach Osman tells 939 the Eagle that feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“I think people really see the benefit that’s going to come from the loop ramp and the added capacity. There have been some concerns, mostly on the bike paths and how they’re going to fit in,” Osman says.
Another key part of the project is widening Grindstone and New Haven through the stretch. MoDOT expects to award a bid in late 2023. Mr. Osman says the proposed loop ramp will improve traffic flow.
“If you’re coming from the east in the future you’re going to be able to make a right turn, take this loop ramp that will take you underneath the overpass. And if you’re coming from the other direction, you’ll still get to use the existing ramp,” says Osman.
He says MoDOT has the funding for the project. Construction is expected to start in early 2024.
