Traffic Alert: Part of eastbound Business Loop closing for several weeks

Eastbound Business Loop between the entrance to Comfort Suites and the existing roundabout is now closed for several weeks.

The closure started Monday morning at 7, as part of the ongoing I-70 bridge project, which will replace three overpasses in the area.

As a result, traffic now has to go west to Stadium, then use I-70 or city streets to travel east.

The Comfort Suites manager says that she was unaware the construction was going to begin on Monday. When asked if she thought the road closings were going to affect business she said probably not.

Additionally, both southbound lanes on Rangeline between the I-70 exit ramp and on-ramp will be closed Monday night at 6:30 until Tuesday morning at 5 a.m.

Then, beginning Tuesday evening at 9 p.m., the right eastbound lane of I-70 from the Business Loop to Providence, including the off-ramp will be will be closed until 5 a.m. Wednesday.

MoDOT is asking drivers to plan accordingly as the closures will likely cause traffic delays. They also warn drivers to pay close attention to the speed limit, as fines increase in construction zones.

The City of Columbia Public Works also pleads with drivers to take notice of their roadways. Jacob Ray, the Traffic Engineering Supervisor said, “The number one thing for drivers to do is pay attention, not be on their cell phones, pay attention to the signs, workers that are in the area, obey the work zone speed limits and just pay attention to their surroundings.”

MoDOT says the $18-million project is expected to be finished in October.