Commuters around Town and Country and Chesterfield should brace for a longer drive, as MoDOT kicks off construction on the I-64 and Route 141 interchange. Over the next several months, roadwork will bring a spate of closures and lane reductions, all aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.
Starting from Monday, evening commutes will be disrupted with ramp closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and these disruptions are set to continue over a series of days. As per MoDOT, the ramp from the westbound outer road to southbound Route 141 will be shut down initially, followed by the eastbound to southbound ramp the next day, and multiple lanes on Route 141 the day after. Although these interruptions will depend heavily on the mercy of weather patterns, they could move based on the whims of inclement conditions.
The changes continue beyond the immediate week. MoDOT announces that motorists on Route 141 will grapple with shifted and reduced lanes, particularly around the I-64 ramps. There's also the closure of one of the turn lanes from northbound Route 141 to eastbound I-64 to contend with, alongside narrowed lanes for those transitioning between the eastbound I-64 and southbound Route 141 ramps. These modifications are set to persist round the clock, adding to the list of challenges drivers must navigate.
The construction isn’t limited to the dark hours. Daytime will see its fair share of off-peak lane closures north of I-64, and nightfall brings additional ramp and lane closures to areas south. The plan includes a wider ramp from the westbound outer road onto Route 141 to reduce rampant backups. There will also be a dedicated right turn lane from eastbound I-64 to Route 141, providing a smoother transition for motorists and easing the current congestion woes. Ultimately, the section of Route 141 between St. Lukes Hospital Drive and I-64 will receive a fresh layer of asphalt once all the work is done.
Residents and commuters are to expect the orange cones and detour signs to linger in their landscape through late 2025, according to MoDOT's plans.
