Route B study indicates new crossroad, signal could help with increased traffic as businesses expect significant growth

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A traffic study provided by the Regional Economic Development Inc. along a portion of Route B indicates a new road could be built to help with expected traffic needs as businesses expect significant growrth.

An access study on Route B was conducted in 2025, with a report dated Dec. 10. It specifically looked at a portion of Route B between Highway 63 and Waco Road.

REDI reached out to evaluate the potential of adding a new traffic signal near a new “Collector Road” that could be situated between JBS Foods and Schnieder Electric. The study indicates that Missouri Department of Transportation is in favor of the idea.

The study claims Schneider Electric currently has 321 employees over three shifts and expects to add 240 by 2028, equating a nearly 75% increase. JBS Foods has 210 employees over two shifts and expects to add 70 workers, or 33%, during the same period, the study says.

Solventum has 550 employees over several shifts and expects to add 30 employees per year during the next three years, while Mid-City Lumber plans to add a new shop and storage area, the study says.

A “Collector Road” would go east-and-west to intersect with Route B, should it determined to be warranted on multiple factors. Data sets within the study indicate that should growth continue at each business without building a “Collector Road,” traffic conditions in the afternoon near JBS and Schneider Electric could worsen.