The Journal

Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: News

A groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on Interstate Highway 64 was held March 19. The $535 million project will upgrade the transportation system in Missouri, but in the meantime commuters will have to rethink their daily route to campus as the number of available lanes on Highway 40 decreases.


According to the I-64 construction schedule, on the Web site www.thenewi64.org construction plans for March include eliminating a lane in each direction on I-170 from Galleria Parkway to I-64, permanently closing the south side Galleria Parkway ramps and reducing the number of lanes at the Edgar Road I-170 intersection. Bridges and ramps will continue to close until the estimated completion date of July 31, 2010.


The new I-64 aims to increase traffic flow by rebuilding and upgrading roads, but in the process the St. Louis community will have to consider alternative routes and factor in extra travel time.


"The region has not done a good job of thinking through this," said David Stone, director of facilities management and planning. Stone said the community is liable to find out how much it depends on Highway 40.


"Our connection to Highway 40 is strong," Stone said.


Though referred to as Highway 40, the passageway is really Interstate 64 since it lines up with Interstate 64 in Illinois. A highway is a main public road. An interstate allows a main public road to connect to communities in other states.


Cathie Farroll is a member of the I-64 community relations team that recently gave a presentation on the upcoming highway project. Farroll said Missouri Department of Transportation-controlled roads - Page, Olive, Manchester and Lindbergh - will be upgraded to handle 15 to 25 percent more traffic.


MODOT has negotiated with municipalities to add turn lanes and traffic lights. MODOT will oversee the municipality roads until after the construction is completed.


"The county and Webster Groves are still talking about changes," Stone said.
Stone said there were recently traffic counts on Elm Avenue to determine if there needs to be any additional lights or turning lanes.


"Hopefully, the student schedules won't overlap with rush hour," Stone said. "We're looking at expanding the number of classes we're offering at Westport and the Old Post Office."


Stone said campus managers for faculty and staff will be more flexible with work hours so employees can come in earlier to avoid rush hour.

Continued...

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