Bridge Break‑Down: Columbia’s Road to a New Overpass

A new overpass is coming to Columbia, but the old North Providence Road bridge will be taken down on Friday night. The Missouri Department of Transportation said the demolition will start at 9 p. m. , even though it’s raining. The work is part of a larger rebuild that will change traffic for months. Traffic on Interstate 70 was cut to one lane each way near the bridge before the work began. Local businesses were told what to expect when the bridge closes. They include diners, car dealers and churches. JJ’s Cafe owner Sarah Paben said the bridge has been right next to her shop for six years. The main problem will be workers who normally drive straight over the bridge.They now need to detour onto Vandiver Drive and Range Line Street, so that road is busier than usual. Most shop owners think the closure won’t hurt sales. They expect customers and staff to drive a little farther, but not to stop coming in. Tattoo You, near Business Loop 70, expects even more traffic on Range Line Street during the closure. The artist at Tattoo You said that while the change is annoying now, it will help Columbia grow. He hopes the finished bridge will make future traffic easier. Columbia police warned that emergency response times might be longer while the bridge is down. The fire department will watch the situation closely and change plans if needed.