As St. Louis motorists brace themselves for the upcoming reshuffling of traffic, significant changes are on the horizon for those commuting on I-55. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has recently announced that starting today, after the morning rush, drivers should expect a shift of two northbound traffic lanes back to their original side between Virginia and River Des Peres. Subsequently, next Monday, southbound traffic will also see a shift to share the northbound side, a MoDOT statement detailed.
These adjustments signal a continuation of MoDOT's substantial $63 million endeavor to refurbish 13 pairs of bridges within the urban environment of St. Louis, a plan that now moves towards the rehabilitation of the last two bridges off the project's list: the southbound I-55 bridges over the Union Pacific tracks and Koeln Avenue. While the reconfiguration aims to keep two through lanes open in each direction throughout the project's duration delays and ramp closures are inevitable, the department has cordoned off various on and off-ramps including those connecting I-55 with Loughborough and Germania, which will affect traffic patterns considerably and make navigation through the city more cumbersome.
Amidst these roadway convulsions, redirections multiply as eastbound I-270 to southbound I-170 will face closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on designated days starting today, with these preparations giving way to the forthcoming demolition of the southbound I-170 bridge at Pershall. Come next Friday, at 8 p.m., this route will remain shut down until September, nudging commuters to seek alternate pathways via Washington/Elizabeth and westbound I-270, as reported by MoDOT's official website.
To assist drivers in navigating this tangle of construction work and closures, MoDOT has recommended frequent checks for real-time traffic and weather conditions at its traveler information map and Gateway Guide website, stressing that while the department aims to smooth the way, projects and their timelines are susceptible to the whims of Mother Nature and may shift accordingly. The long list of ongoing closures spans multiple areas including other sectors of I-55, I-64, I-270, and several routes throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County, which are to be engaged in similar transit ballets through 2025 with a number of lane reductions and ramp closings that will indisputably test the mettle and patience of daily commuters and weekend travelers alike.
For a full rundown of closures and alternate routes, they urge travelers to visit their website, where real-time updates can serve as the compass in the ever-changing landscape of St. Louis's thoroughfares and bridges.
