Crews to use drone to survey parts of Forum Boulevard in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Crews plan to use a small drone this week to survey parts of Forum Boulevard in Columbia.

According to Columbia Public Works, staff with Engineering Surveys & Services (ES&S) will start the aerial survey of the road on Thursday. The city expects the surveying work to last for up to three months.

The drone will take photos of the pavement, pavement striping, sidewalks, and other features of the road. Staff will use the images to build a 3D model of Forum Boulevard.

An improvement project on the road between Woodrail Avenue to Chapel Hill Road is set to start in 2025.

The city will hold a public meeting about the project sometime in 2023. Community members will be able to ask questions or provide feedback about the work.

ES&S workers also plan to use the drone to survey Forum Boulevard at Stadium Boulevard for possible upgrades in the future.

Drivers may notice workers wearing high-visibility clothing, ES&S and city vehicles, and equipment in the area of the survey.

On Wednesday, Columbia Public Works and ES&S plan to offer a demonstration of the drone to media outlets at 10 a.m.