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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">November 18, 2024</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: John Ogan
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Public Works
<br />City of Columbia
<br />John.Ogan@CoMo.gov
<br />573.239.1837</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">City of Columbia contractors to conduct soil tests along Forum Boulevard Nov. 21-29</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - Beginning Thursday, Nov. 21, Engineering Surveys & Services (ES&S), design contractors for the City of Columbia Public Works department, will conduct subsurface investigations along the Forum Boulevard corridor. This work will take place throughout the remainder of November as part of the <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://beheard.como.gov/forum-boulevard-improvement">Forum Boulevard improvement project</a>.<br /><br />Using a drill rig, contractor crews plan to take soil samples along Forum Boulevard between Chapel Hill Road to the north and the intersection of Woodrail Avenue and Crestwood Lane to the south. The soil testing will help engineers assess subsurface conditions to inform design decisions and ensure the long-term stability and safety of planned improvements.<br /><br />Residents may see technicians and engineers in high-visibility clothing working near the road, along
with vehicles and equipment from ES&S and City of Columbia Public Works.<br /><br />Drilling work is scheduled to continue until Nov. 29, weather permitting. Adjustments may be necessary based on rain or snow forecasts.<br /><br /><strong>Traffic impacts</strong><br />Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout the drilling and soil sampling process. However, lane shifts and narrowing may occur temporarily during daytime drilling activities. Overnight lane restrictions are not anticipated.<br /><br />For pedestrians and cyclists, some areas along Forum Boulevard and under the Hinkson Creek bridge will have restricted access. While the MKT Trail will remain open, expect narrowing and traffic control measures on the trail near the Forum Boulevard tunnel.<br /><br />The City of Columbia urges all users of the Forum Boulevard corridor to exercise caution and stay alert while crews are at work.<br /><br /><strong>Project background</strong><br />The Forum Boulevard improveme
nt project was initiated following the passage of the quarter-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax extension in August 2015. The project design includes a new driving lane in both the north and southbound directions, wide sidewalks along both sides of the roadway and replacement of the existing bridge over Hinkson Creek. There will also be improvements to several intersections and entrances to improve traffic safety and operations on the corridor. <br /><br />Construction on the Forum Boulevard improvements is projected to begin by summer 2026.</div>
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<div class="attachments">This release has the following attachments:<br /><br /><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=3265">Crews with ES&S perform soil tests on West Nifong Boulevard, February 2022</a><br /><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=3264">Crews with E&SS perform soil tests on the MKT Trail, June 2016</a></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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