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of 2020, Completion Planned by end of 2023

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has selected Millstone Weber as the Design-Build contractor for the Interstate 270 North Project. The $278 million dollar project runs an eight-mile stretch along I-270 from I-70 on the west to west of Riverview Drive. The decision was made last week at MoDOT’s monthly meeting held  on the St. Louis Community College campus in Ferguson,

   “Seeing this project come to fruition is great progress for the community, the region and the entire state of Missouri,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “The I-270 North Project is MoDOT’s largest single project in the last decade. It will replace aging infrastructure, enhance safety and resiliency of the system and improve mobility for freight and passengers, all while creating an economic boost for nearby communities. MoDOT’s design-build model to scale the scope of work to match existing resources has worked well for us, and I believe it will with this project, too. ”

    The I-270 North Design-Build Project seeks to improve reliability within the I-270 corridor, link communities, and enhance traffic operations so that the public has a durable and maintainable transportation network.

    Challenges within the corridor include safety.  Reports show that both directions of I-270 have higher than average rates of severe crashes. They also indicate higher-than-average crash rates, with eastbound I-270 showing an average crash rate 30% higher than the statewide average for interstates.

   Other challenges include the corridor’s position as one of the heaviest traveled interstates in Missouri, 140,000 vehicles, of which 18% are heavy trucks, travel it daily. In addition, the corridor offers limited pedestrian facilities.

     “This project has been in the works for a long time and we are excited to finally move forward to address some of the challenges within the I-270 corridor,” said Project Director, Justin Wolf. “While we know that a project of this scope will require patience on the part of those who travel throughout the corridor, we also know that the end product will be worth it.”

   MoDOT’s project team will meet with Millstone Weber over the next several months to fine-tune project elements and construction approach. Improvements planned for the project include:

  • Reconstruct interchanges at U.S. Route 67 (Lindbergh), Hanley/Graham Roads, New Florissant Road, Washington St./Elizabeth Ave., West Florissant Ave, News Halls Ferry Road, Old Halls Ferry Road and Route 367.

  • Additional lane of pavement on I-270 in both directions from U.S. Route 67 (Lindbergh) to Route 367 (see photo below of I-270 at Route 367)

   • Improve accessibility for bicycles and pedestrians with shared use paths from Lindbergh to Breezy Point Lane along Dunn Road, and from Hanley/Graham Roads to Old Halls Ferry Road along Pershall Road, and

   • Improve safety with an updated outer road system that includes outer road conversions and removal of cross over slip ramps.

  • “We are thrilled to be part of this significant project,” said Thom Kuhn, President/CEO Millstone Weber, LLC. “We look forward to it being a model for how MoDOT, its contractors, engineers and the community can work together for the greater good. We and our partners are ready for the challenge.”

    Work on the project is scheduled to begin in spring 2020. Project goals are:  

  • Deliver the project by Dec. 1, 2023 within the program budget of $278 million.

  • Maximize reliability and safety while linking communities for all users.

     •  Provide a durable and maintainable transportation network making Interstate 270 the conduit for a prosperous region.

     • Grow and utilize a diverse workforce.

  • Minimize and mitigate impacts to customers through innovation.

  ““We are excited to see this major transportation project move forward. For more than a decade NCI leadership, along with our elected officials, municipalities, and other community stakeholders, have consistently advocated for this critical corridor to be improved to meet the needs of those living and doing business here,” said NCI President/CEO Rebecca Zoll.

(Story provided by several sources.)