Signal timing changes underway in Columbia as I-70 work causes delays
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Traffic signal timing is being adjusted across Columbia as local and state officials attempt to combat congestion tied to the ongoing Improve I-70 project and related road closures.
Columbia Public Works said in social media posts on Wednesday that it is reviewing traffic impacts and modifying city-operated signals where feasible, but noted that many of the affected intersections fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation’s control. Officials are urging drivers to expect delays and plan ahead.
“For the City of Columbia, timing adjustments have now been made at East St. Charles Road and Keene Street,” John Ogan, a spokesman for Columbia Public Works, told ABC 17 News.
Ogan added several other city-operated signals are being monitored for potential changes, including intersections at Broadway and Old 63, Broadway and Trimble Road, Brickton Lane and Trimble Road, and Conley Road at the Lowe’s entrance.
Ogan said the changes focus on redistributing green-light time based on traffic demand.
“In general, these adjustments involve modifying how long each direction receives a green light based on observed traffic patterns,” Ogan said. “At locations like East St. Charles Road and Keene Street, staff have observed where traffic is building up and adjusted the signal timing to give more green time to the heavier traffic movements, helping reduce backups and improve overall flow through the intersection.”
Ogan said city staff will continue to monitor conditions and make targeted adjustments as traffic patterns shift.
The Missouri Department of Transportation also reported increased congestion at multiple signals due to closures associated with the Improve I-70 program.
“We are aware of increased traffic congestion at a number of signals around Columbia due to the recent closures and traffic impacts associated with the Improve I-70 Program,” MoDOT spokeswoman Marcia Johnson said in a statement. “Our Traffic team has made modifications to signal timing and continues to monitor and adjust, when possible.”
MoDOT said it has already made changes at the Highway 63 and Route WW interchange, with the primary goal of preventing traffic from backing up onto Highway 63. Officials noted extending green time for southbound ramps has reduced backups on the highway but contributed to longer delays on Route WW.
The agency said congestion increased further following the recent removal of the St. Charles Bridge and earlier closures at Conley Road and I-70 Drive Southeast. Additional adjustments may be considered once the Conley roundabout opens, with a focus on improving flow along Route WW and Keene Street.
MoDOT also reported increased traffic along Route PP/Clark during the bridge removal, with backups forming on the Highway 63 Connector eastbound ramp and westbound Route PP/Clark. Engineers are evaluating whether signal timing changes at the connector could help alleviate congestion, though no decision has been made.
“I would say I travel through this area, through that intersection, get it on 70 at least once a week and it's it's been definitely a little bit of a struggle to try to get on 70 consistently,” said Dominick, a Columbia resident, when asked about delays at stoplights near the connector. “There's been quite a few times. I've come up from 63 trying to get on 70, and then I would have to wait, at least a cycle or two, before I get on.”
Looking ahead, a separate project at Highway and Grindstone Parkway is expected to close northbound ramps beginning next week. MoDOT said the closure will likely shift more traffic to the Stadium Boulevard and Discovery Parkway interchanges, where additional signal timing adjustments are planned.
Officials say drivers should continue to expect changing traffic patterns as construction progresses and signal timing is refined.
