MoDOT meets with Boone County Commission Route H Construction

COLUMBIA — The interchange over Route H toward Columbia Regional Airport has moved a step closer to reality.

Earlier this week, representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation met with the Boone County Commission to discuss construction plans, but final approval is not expected until the summer.

Officials discussed how traffic could be rerouted to accommodate construction, including cars on the southbound lanes of U.S. 63.

"Detours would be required for Route H on county roads during construction," said MoDOT District Five Engineer Roger Schwartze. 

"What we are working toward is approval in June or July, with construction to take place a full year after that," he said.

The cities of Ashland and Columbia, the county and other agencies have been working with MoDOT for the past two years to help secure funding for the project near the airport, State Rep. Chris Kelly said Friday.

"We came together, and the area benefited from that cooperation," he said.

Although funding has been identified, the Missouri Transportation and Highway Commission's approval and public meetings are needed.

"It would be spring of 2013 before everything would be completed," Schwartze said. "We are trying to get everything ready."