93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
State transportation officials are considering removing Columbia’s westbound I-70 exit ramp at the Business Loop, along with the aging bridge over eastbound I-70 there. It’s just west of the 63 connector.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) notes the left-lane exit ramp onto the Business Loop confuses drivers, adding that crashes could be reduced by 25 to 70 percent by using right-side ramps.
MoDOT also notes the bridge, which was built in 1957, is reaching the end of its service life. The agency is asking for your feedback at modot.org/businessloopramp.
The agency says 2,800 vehicles use that exit ramp onto the Business Loop daily, adding that drivers could use I-70 at Rangeline and Highway 63 at Broadway instead.
The total cost of the project is about $1.2 million. Funding isn’t available for it, at this time.
