MoDOT is moving forward with North Providence Road bridge demolition despite rainy weather
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Despite rainy weather Friday, the Missouri Department of Transportation says it is continuing with plan to demolish the North Providence Road bridge over Interstate 70 in Columbia.
Crews are scheduled to begin tearing down the overpass at 9 p.m. Friday as part of a major reconstruction project expected to impact traffic in the area for the next several months.
Businesses along Providence Road told ABC 17 News MoDOT officials visited them earlier this week to discuss changes they can expect during the closure. The area includes several businesses and community resources, including restaurants, dealerships and churches.
Friday morning, MoDOT reduced Interstate 70 traffic to one lane in each direction near the North Providence Road bridge ahead of the demolition.
Sarah Paben, owner of JJ’s Cafe, said the diner has been located near the bridge for the past six years. She said the closure will mostly affect employees commuting to work, with many now needing to detour through Vandiver Drive and Range Line Street.
Traffic along Vandiver Drive appeared heavier than normal Friday as drivers began adjusting to the closure. Paben said it felt surreal watching crews begin shutting down the roadway, but she does not expect the closure to significantly impact customer traffic.
“You started seeing the cones go out, basically closing one lane right in front of us,” Paben said. “And people have maneuvered it lovely today. So honestly, that was really refreshing to see.”
Most of the businesses ABC 17 News spoke with Friday said they do not expect the bridge closure to seriously hurt business. Instead, many believe it will mostly create longer commute times and added inconvenience for customers and employees.
Tattoo You, located near Business Loop 70 and Range Line Street, expects traffic in the area to increase during the closure. Staff there said heavy traffic is already common during the week, especially during the evening rush around 5 p.m. With the Providence Road bridge closed, they expect even more drivers to use Range Line Street as an alternate route.
“Ultimately, if you want to expand, you're going to have to have infrastructure growth anyway,” Tattoo You artist Cameron Hayes said. “So if we can just tough it out for the next couple of years, it'll be better in the long run for Columbia.”
Hayes said while the closure may create temporary frustrations, he is looking forward to the final result once the bridge project is complete.
In response to the closure, the Columbia Police Department said people directly affected by the bridge shutdown could experience longer emergency response times. The Columbia Fire Department also said it will closely monitor any impacts from the closure and adjust response plans as needed.
Check back for updates.
