Commuters in the St. Louis area should prepare for a significant detour as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is set to close the eastbound I-270 ramp to southbound I-170 starting tomorrow at 7 a.m. This shutdown is part of a construction project aimed to replace the I-170 bridge over Pershall Rd. and will last through September. Drivers are advised to continue further east on I-270 and use the U-turn ramp at Washington/Elizabeth to access westbound I-270, which will lead them to southbound I-170, according to MoDOT's notice.
Adding to the disruption, Pershall Rd. will also experience a complete closure from Hanley Rd. to Hazelwood Ave. starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, and will reopen on Monday, June 9 at 6 a.m. The closure is to allow crews to safely demolish the current I-170 bridge. Motorists can expect to see signs directing them to a detour through Hazelwood Ave. in an attempt to manage the expected traffic flow.
Once demolition is complete, the construction phase will necessitate additional traffic adjustments. Beginning Monday, Pershall Rd. will be reduced to one lane daily from 5 p.m. to 2 p.m. Flaggers will be present to direct motorists through the active construction zone. While MoDOT acknowledges the inconvenience, they emphasize the importance of these infrastructure improvements for long-term benefits.
Throughout the duration of the bridge replacement project, MoDOT encourages drivers to plan ahead and consider extra time in their commute, especially during peak hours. Updated information on construction progress and any further traffic notices will be provided by MoDOT as the work progresses.
