At their October 27 meeting, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to approve a letter to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Community Advisory Group. This letter outlines the Chamber’s official position on which of the proposed improvement plans to the I-70/63 interchange the Chamber supports. This recommendation was drafted by the Transportation & Infrastructure and Government Affairs committees, with review and approval from the Chamber’s executive leadership.

In making its recommendation, the Chamber prioritized solutions that 1) improve safety and ease of access through this high-traffic intersection and 2) create minimal disruption to the surrounding business community throughout construction. The Board elected not to take a position on other projects in the surrounding area which do not currently have funding allocated.

See below for the full letter.

Dear Members of MoDOT’s Community Advisory Group:

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, along with the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and Government Affairs Committee, has considered the three proposed ‘reasonable alternatives’ for the Interstate 70/ Highway 63 Corridor and submit the following feedback.

Please consider the following feedback on the proposals of the Connector Corridor specifically. We look forward to providing feedback on proposed improvements to other portions of I-70 as the funding becomes available for those project areas.

1. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce supports Reasonable Alternative 1 for the I-70/ 63 Corridor. The Board of Directors and committees specifically feel the option to provide fly overs allows for superior maintained speed when compared to the other alternatives, which enhances travel safety.
2. We request that MoDOT and community partners begin planning for enhanced directional signage based on the proposed lane closure.
3. We feel that Reasonable Alternative 1 provides for the least disruption to the surrounding business community. We request MoDOT make sure that access to all businesses is maintained during construction.
4. The Chamber Board and committees trust MoDOT and their partners to pick the best option for the N/S movement structure, thus we do not have a position in regards to a SPUI or DDI.

As long-standing partners of MoDOT’s efforts in and around Columbia, the Columbia Chamber is excited to assist during the process with communication to the business community and in other future needs. We greatly appreciate MoDOT’s investment in our community and look forward to our continued partnership!

Sincerely,

Matt McCormick  
President and CEO
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce