Columbia intersection to close for roundabout construction Monday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation is scheduled to close the intersection of Conley Road and Business Loop 70 for about 60 days while the crossing is replaced with a roundabout.

According to MoDOT, the businesses near the closure will remain open, but the roads near the intersection, like Conley Road, Business Loop 70 and Conley Road off the I-70 Connector, will be closed.

Alternate routes include East Walnut Street and northbound on Trimble Road.

MoDOT adds that the roundabout will help make the intersection safer and more efficient.

"Roundabouts have fewer conflict points, which, along with slower speeds and calmer traffic, can translate into as much as 76 percent fewer crashes and fewer crash-related injuries," a MoDOT press release says.

The roundabout is part of the Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City project. The overall project costs $405 million and will include new pavement on all lanes of I-70 and improvements to the I-70 interchanges in Columbia and Kingdom City.

Construction is expected to end in May, weather permitting.