Columbia considers $2.1 million roundabout project on south side

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia Public Works is considering a roundabout at East Green Meadows Road and East Nifong Boulevard in an effort to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes on the city's south side.

The Public Works Department hosted its first public open house Thursday evening to give residents a look at the proposed project. About five residents signed in at the event.

The project has an estimated budget of $2.1 million, which would be funded through the city's quarter-cent capital improvement sales tax.

According to the department, 26 crashes involving 53 vehicles and nine injuries were reported in the area from 2021-25.

The proposed project would replace the existing two-way stop-controlled intersection with a roundabout.

Assistant Public Works Director Lee White said the department believes a roundabout is the safest option for the intersection.

"There's less of the sideswipe collisions. That can be present. More of just your rear end type of collisions are present with the reduced conflict points as well as the efficiency within the intersection," White said.

The project would also include pavement maintenance, new asphalt and pavement improvements, and sidewalk replacements. The department has completed pavement surface and subsurface investigations.

According to materials provided to residents, construction could begin in summer 2028 if the project is approved by the City Council.

Check back for updates.