West Columbia roundabout project construction begins over a decade after postponement

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of South Fairview Road and Chapel Hill Road began Tuesday. According to a news release from the City of Columbia, the project is intended to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection. The construction also includes stormwater improvements, along with sidewalk improvements along the north side of Chapel Hill Road east of Fairview Road for pedestrian safety. This project was first introduced in 2015, but was postponed in 2016 due to resident concerns about safety and pedestrian crossing. The project was met with pushback from residents when it was reannounced in 2023. The first phase of the project, starting Tuesday, will require lane restrictions on Chapel Hill Road and lane closures on Handley Place. Phase two will require lane restrictions on South Fairview Road and Chapel Hill Road. Phases three to five will require the closure of South Fairview Road north of Chapel Hill Road. Chapel Hill Road will remain open to traffic throughout construction, with lane restrictions and temporary closures occurring. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes when possible The estimated cost of the roundabout is $1.5 million, with funding provided by the City's 2015 quarter-cent Capital Improvement Program sales tax extension. The project is expected to be completed in winter 2027, weather permitting.