Euphenie Andre
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.
This weekend, MoDOT began demolishing the Providence Road overpass, shutting down direct access to and from I-70 for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Traffic on I-70 in both directions has been reduced to one lane, and drivers can no longer enter or exit the interstate at Providence Road. The westbound entrance ramp from Range Line Street to I-70 is also closed.
During parts of the demolition, drivers are being rerouted up and over the Exit 126 ramps before merging back onto I-70.
MoDOT officials said once demolition wraps up Sunday morning, I-70 will return to two lanes in both directions. Other ramps in the area are expected to remain open.
As Columbia prepares for months of construction, businesses in the area are maintaining a generally positive outlook despite the disruption.
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.
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.
Paben said she supports the project despite the short-term disruptions.
“I feel like it’s a good step. It’s going to bring a lot of good infrastructure that we need for sure. The growth in Columbia has been absolutely nuts in the last 10 years,” she said.
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.
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Idaho Transportation Department 
Bend High’s parking lot before paving.
Parking lot after the paving and upgrades.
