Public hearings on GetAbout Columbia projects on Feb. 2:
In Jan. 2007, the city contracted with HDR, Inc., to complete a design of improvements to the intersections of Forum and Stadium boulevards, Providence Road and Stadium Boulevard and Providence and Stewart roads. In September 2007, an amendment added the intersections of Providence Road and Business Loop 70 and Providence and Green Meadows roads. The city is interested in making improvements that include right-turn islands, markings for pedestrians and roadway modifications that would lessen traffic conflicts between pedestrians and drivers, additional sidewalk space and ramps, more connectivity between sidewalks and increased landing areas, especially around the intersection of Business Loop 70 and Providence Road. The City Council estimates the project will cost $800,000.
This project involves a two-mile extension from North Providence Road to Blue Ridge Road. It would connect the trail system around Vanderveen Road to Cosmopolitan Park, continue south over Interstate 70 and connect to the MKT Trail through the County House Branch Trail. The land chosen for the extension was mostly vacant, but there were plans to develop subdivisions on some of the land. The city estimates that it will spend $442,000 to finish the Bear Creek Trail connections project, but the GetAbout Columbia staff is considering reducing the width of the trail from 10 to 8 feet to decrease costs of the project.
This project would connect Greenbriar Trail to Hinkson Creek Trail in a one-mile path that would include low-water crossing, elevated boardwalks, retaining walls and concrete trails with gravel shoulders. The connection trail would run from Greenbiar Drive to MU. During an interested party meeting, one property owner was opposed to the project because of the aesthetics of the trail and parking issues. GetAbout Columbia staff has been working with neighbors to resolve some of these potential conflicts. The council estimates that this project will cost $990,000.
This project would involve reconstructing the Bridge over Old Route K, located south of Reactor Park. This reconstruction would cost $1.8 million and would be paid for by Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program, Nonmotorized Transportation and Capital Improvement Sales Tax funds. Federal funds from the On-System Bridge Replacement Rehabilitation Program will also be used. The reconstruction includes sidewalks on both sides and a trail underneath that connects with the university trail system.
This project involves constructing a trail between the Grindstone Nature Area and Stephens Lake. This project would cost $780,000 and would be paid for with a Park Sales Tax and funds from the Federal Highway Administration. There are two easements on two properties. The city has already talked to the two property owners, and they have said they are willing to work with the city.
Source: Columbia City Council documents, Missourian archives