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COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia is continuing to look at next steps for improving east-to-west travel within the city. With the Improve I-70 project from Paris Road to Rocheport expected to break ground in spring 2026, Public Works spokesman John Ogan said the city is waiting on the Missouri Department of Transportation's project recommendations before it moves forward with the Ash Street Improvement Project. The project that would widen West Ash Street to include bike lanes and expand sidewalks, which has faced some pushback from residents. Some Columbia residents who live in the neighborhood along West Ash Street protested against the project in April. MoDOT is expected to release its plans for the next portion of the Improve I-70 project in December, according to Ogan. The department has floated outer roads that go to Midway, and some different collector roads. "But those roads would go naturally, along with I-70 in the east-to-west direction. West Ash Street also goes in the east-to-west direction," Ogan said. "So what we're looking at is pausing the Ash Street project until MoDOT can make their recommendations and let us know what their plans are for I-70 and the east to west corridor and Columbia." Ogan said Columbia will possibly have a study done after MoDOT releases its plans. The study would be with the Columbia Area Transportation Study Organization and help identify what east-to-west travel would look like in the area moving forward. "If they [MoDOT] build a transportation network that facilitates easy east-to-west travel north of Ash Street, fewer people may use Ash Street to travel east to west. They may travel there more, in which case that would change people's travel behaviors," Ogan said. He said waiting to see what MoDOT plans first will ensure a more accurate study and be important in deciding next steps for possible West Ash Street improvements.
