Interstate 70/Highway 63 Interchange Enhancement Project

Please note: The enhancement design concepts for the proposed improvements to the Interstate 70/Highway 63 interchange are now available in the Documents section and feedback on these proposed enhancements has been opened. Be sure to hit "Subscribe" under "Stay Informed" to receive notice of any further updates to this page.

On July 6, 2022, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved $140 million for an I-70/Highway 63 connector reconfiguration. This project was approved as part of Missouri Department of Transportation's (MoDOT) 2023-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). MoDOT will use the design-build process for the design and construction of the improvements. The improvement criteria used for the design-build process will include safety, reduced congestion and reliability. It should be noted that the reconstruction of the I-70/Highway 63 interchange is a MoDOT project, not a City of Columbia project.

Since MoDOT is utilizing the design-build process, the exact design elements are not known at the start of the project and will develop over the request for proposal process. With functionality being paramount in the design-build scoring, MoDOT’s funding will include standard design and materials for the project. Thus, enhancements and beautification within the project limits will need to be championed and funded by others.

The I-70/Highway 63 Interchange Enhancements Project will consist of providing hardscape enhancement design concepts for MoDOT to include for the contractors to consider in the design-build request for proposals process. The design-build request for proposals process will begin this fall. The City of Columbia, Boone County, the University of Missouri, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Loop CID, Shelter Insurance, MU Healthcare and many others are working together to develop the enhancement design concept and provide an attractive appearance that is a reflection of Columbia and will draw people into the city. The City will submit the design enhancement concepts to MoDOT on behalf of the group.

The enhancement design concepts will address two primary groups of road users. First, the design concepts will address slower-moving and stopped vehicles, as well as pedestrians and cyclists on the bridge, all of whom will be able to appreciate more detailed components of the design. Second, design concepts will also address faster-moving vehicles, who will be unable to perceive smaller design elements as they pass under the bridge. Transition points between the two groups are key, as that transition will need to feel natural. Finally, the enhancement design concepts will set a precedent for other bridges over Interstate 70 and Highway 63 throughout Columbia as these bridges are reconstructed or improved in future improvement projects.

Enhancement design concepts can include both landscape and hardscape areas at the interchanges. Hardscape enhancements to be considered include:

• Powder coated signal poles and roadway lighting.
• Decorative pattern on the exterior guardrail and bridge facades
• Decorative pattern on the interior concrete pedestrian barrier
• Decorative end components on each end of the bridge
• A decorative metal railing or fence on the bridge
• Decorative lighting on the bridge
• Decorative retaining wall systems
• A custom City or County seal, street names, graphics or other features
• Accent lighting under the bridge or along the bridge facade
• Graphic elements to enhance components and/or create a design that reflects the community
• Other custom features

Landscape enhancements may be completed once the construction has been completed and will reflect the uniqueness of each location. Maintenance of the hardscape enhancements will most likely be provided by the City and the landscape enhancements may be maintained by various groups adopting each area.

Funding of the enhancements has yet to be determined and will most likely be provided through both public and private funding sources. It is anticipated that funding needed will be approximately $2 million.

A public informational meeting was held May 17, 2023. At the meeting, members of the public were able to review and comment on the proposed enhancement design elements. A public hearing will be held at the June 20 City Council meeting.

Construction of the I-70/Highway 63 improvements is expected to begin in 2025 and take several years to complete. Additional improvements to the Interstate 70 and Highway 63 corridors are expected over the next 10 to 20 years as funding continues to become available.