Columbia City Council to discuss taking over maintenance of I-70 Business Loop | Mid-Missouri News

COLUMBIA – Columbia City Council members are expected to discuss a proposal from the Downtown Leadership Council (DLC) to assume control of Business Loop 70 E. MoDOT currently controls maintenance and upkeep of the Business Loop.

The recommendation from the DLC to Mayor Buffaloe and City Council members states that the Business Loop is not a priority for MoDOT. It also states that the poor conditions of the street make it unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Chair Scott Wilson said that the Downtown Leadership Council wants the City of Columbia to take over the main portion of the Business Loop to make “key improvements.” “We think its appearance and lack of infrastructure are really a poor introduction to the city of Columbia,” he said. “We think the City of Columbia can do a lot more than MoDOT or the highway department is willing to do.”

Scott mentioned that the Business Loop Community Improvement District has held multiple and ongoing discussions with MoDOT.

Scott said that the DLC hopes the Business Loop will improve under city control. “We’re hoping to make a lot of improvements to Business Loop with sidewalks, and curb cuts, crosswalks, and bike lanes.”

The DLC officially covers only the portion of the Business Loop from College Ave. to Garth Ave., but that the recommended City of Columbia takeover is from College Ave. to the roundabout at I-70.