MoDOT seeking public input for proposed Business Loop and Paris Road improvements

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking the public's input on its proposal for major improvements to Business Loop 70 and Paris Road.

The changes would be part of MODOT’s Improve I-70 Project. Both the Paris Road and the Business Loop Road safety audits conducted by the City of Columbia flagged problems with the intersection.

Plans shared Monday by the Business Loop Community Improvement District include raising the Business Loop to the same level as other roads near the intersection. The Paris Road bridge will also be removed. Once it’s removed, that section of Business Loop will be wide enough for sidewalks and bike lanes.

The COLT Railroad bridge would be removed, but the track bed would be preserved, widened and fortified. Columbia Parks and Recreation is seeking input on railbanking the COLT line as the first step to a rails-to-trails project.

MoDOT and contractor Emery Sapp & Sons will have two public hearings to highlight the basic project plans, construction phasing, and schedule of the Improve I-70: Rocheport to Columbia project from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 2 at the Boone Electric headquarters and from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at Midway Golf and Games.