St. Charles Road bridge closure prompts traffic changes for Columbia Public Schools
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools is preparing for major traffic changes following the closure of a bridge in northeast Columbia.
The St. Charles Road bridge closed Friday evening as part of a construction project expected to last about five months, bringing traffic challenges for families and commuters across the area.
The project began with a four-day demolition phase, scheduled to continue through 6 a.m. Monday. Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation warn drivers to expect increased congestion—especially during morning arrivals and afternoon school dismissals.
As construction gets underway, Columbia Public Schools is urging parents to plan ahead and follow alternate routes provided by MoDOT to help keep traffic moving and ensure students arrive on time.
Traffic is expected to increase along several major corridors, including Route Z, Paris Road and Rangeline Street. Drivers are encouraged to leave earlier than usual, as bus routes may also experience minor delays during the initial adjustment period.
For those traveling from Interstate 70, officials recommend using Exit 133 at Route Z instead of Exit 131, then following Route Z to reach nearby schools such as Battle High School and Two Mile Prairie Elementary.
Those traveling southbound on Highway 63 are encouraged to take Paris Road, then connect through Mexico Gravel Road to Lake of the Woods Road. This route provides access to schools including Blue Ridge Elementary, Lange Middle School and Frederick Douglass High School.
Those traveling northbound on Highway 63 should exit at Discovery Parkway, continue to Rolling Hills Road, then use Richland Road and Rangeline Street to reconnect with Route Z.
A spokesperson for DS Bus Lines, which provides transportation for Columbia Public Schools, said bus pickup times will remain the same. However, the district is asking families for patience, noting delays are possible during the first few weeks of the closure.
Columbia resident Kate Boes, the closure hits close to home. She said she both commutes across the bridge for work and lives along Mexico Gravel Road—one of the suggested alternate routes.
“It’s definitely going to cause a lot of holdup until people get into a rhythm,” Boes said. “Then I feel like it’ll smooth out until the bridge reopens.”
Construction is expected to continue through the summer.
Check back for updates.
