MoDOT Plans Open House March 18

Post author:independentnws
Post published:March 13, 2014
Post category:Events
Post comments:0 Comments

I-270 is one of the most traveled corridors in the St. Louis metropolitan region. As a part of the on-going environmental assessment, MoDOT is hosting an open house style public meeting on Tuesday, March 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hazelwood Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Road.

Those interested are encouraged to stop by at any time during the public meeting. In addition, the department will host a virtual public meeting on-line from March 19 to April 1. MoDOT representatives will be available on-line to answer questions on March 19th from noon to 1 p.m. and on March 20 from 8-9 p.m.

Commercial drivers, residents and commuters have often expressed concern about daily backups and congestion on I-270 between I-70 and the Chain of Rocks Bridge, especially during evening rush hours. They also express concerns about the safety of the entrance and exit ramps on Dunn Road that require crossing oncoming traffic. Much of the road and many bridges were constructed in the early 1960s and are reaching the point where significant rehabilitation or reconstruction is needed.

The I-270 North Environmental Assessment is the next step in addressing congestion, safety, and mobility, as well as accessibility and aging infrastructure along the interstate in north St. Louis County. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), along with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is conducting the study, which begins at the I-70 interchange on the west and extends to the Chain of Rocks Bridge on the east.

The Environmental Assessment follows a previous planning study called the I-270 Corridor Study – a feasibility study that ended in the fall of 2012. That study identified short and long-term needs and overall strategies for addressing the interstate’s needs. The Environmental Assessment will identify proposed improvements and study their potential social and environmental impacts.

The study is expected to take 18 months and conclude in the fall of 2014. Click here to view the study timeline.

Currently, MoDOT has no funding available for design, right-of-way or construction. This is a priority project for the region and completing the environmental study now positions the project to move forward faster when funding becomes available.