Heads up, Bay Area commuters. Next weekend, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is rolling out some disruptions that'll necessitate a few detours for those used to cruising westbound on Interstate 44 under Interstate 270. Starting from next Friday, at 10 p.m., there will be extensive closures for bridge repairs that will not wrap up until the early hours of Monday, according to MoDOT.
The closure will encompass all lanes westbound on I-44 between Exit 276 and the Meramec River, along with the ramp from northbound I-270 to westbound I-44. Having hit the road by an oversized load in July, a damaged girder needs replacing, causing the closure as workers hustle to make the fixes. Motorists intending to use the ramp from southbound I-270 to westbound I-44 or from westbound Route 366 to northbound I-270, can breathe a sigh of relief, as these routes will stay open, albeit with no access to westbound I-44 from Route 366.
For those looking to skirt around the closures, MoDOT suggests a detour involving a jaunt on westbound Route 30, northbound Route 141, and a hop back onto westbound I-44. Another detour is available for folks coming from westbound Route 366, directing them to continue north on I-270 and use the Dougherty Ferry Exit, circle back south on I-270, and thrust onto westbound I-44.
When Monday arrives, and the roads reopen at 5 a.m. on September 29, patience will still be a necessity. There's scheduled to be one lane that will remain closed on northbound I-270 over I-44 past the eastbound I-44 exit ramp. The exit ramp to westbound I-44 will keep its doors open, albeit with its length for exiting reduced, toeing the line until additional work to complete the girder repair, details of which are yet pending per MoDOT's announcement.
