Columbia Public Works to build roundabout on busy Route K
Keriana Gamboa
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Columbia will begin building a new roundabout Monday on a road that draws heavy commuter traffic.
The $2.4 million project to build a roundabout at West Route K and West Old Plank Road aims to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection, which has a skewed angle that has contributed to traffic concerns, the city says.
City of Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan said he believes the roundabout will help the area become safer for pedestrians.
“There’s a lot of residential neighborhoods on one end, with the road being 45 miles an hour. It would be difficult to cross as a pedestrian safely. Having a roundabout there would force traffic to slow down,” Ogan said.
In addition to the roundabout, the project will include sidewalks and marked crosswalks to improve pedestrian access.
Brooke-Lyne Grimes, who lives nearby, said she’s glad the city is finally taking steps to improve the intersection.
“So, as a registered pet sitter and dog walker here in Columbia, I drive here all the time. I love the roundabouts because it makes people slow down,” Grimes said. “We get a lot of bikers around here, too, and that would slow vehicles down so they don’t hit potential, potentially hit bikers.”
Construction will occur in phases. The first phase will involve lane restrictions on Route K. In later phases, either Route K or Old Plank Road may be temporarily closed.
Route K and Old Plank Road roundabout preliminary plan.
It’s a collaborative project between the City of Columbia and the Missouri Department of Transportation, with funding through MoDOT’s Cost Share Partnership Program.
Responsibility for the roads is split between the two agencies. Route K is maintained by MoDOT, while Old Plank Road is overseen by the city.
Columbia Public Works in an online post urges those in the area to use caution in the work zone, follow posted detours and signage, and watch for construction workers and equipment.
Construction is expected to be completed by early winter, weather permitting.
The city will issue updates throughout the project to keep residents informed.