I-44 Restriping and I-270 Double Loop Ramp
What is the problem with the striping on I-44?
To reduce congestion and improve traffic flow during the reconstruction of Interstate 64 through the center of St. Louis, MoDOT has committed to striping extra lines on I-44 from I-270 through the city. This extra lane will cause some traffic pattern changes at the intersection of I-44 and I-270 for the duration of the I-64 project.
What is the proposed solution?
MoDOT will stripe an additional lane on I-44 starting at I-270 and running east through St. Louis to I-55.
To do that and maintain acceptable traffic flow between I-44 and I-270, we will also stripe a double loop ramp from eastbound (southbound) I-270 to eastbound I-44. This double loop ramp will require us to close the current access to Watson Road that travelers on eastbound I-44 currently have. However, access to Watson from I-270 as well as westbound I-44 will still remain. These traffic changes will continue as long as the additional lane is available on I-44.
What is a double loop ramp?
A double loop ramp is an two-lane exit ramp that loops between two interstates.
Why stripe a double loop ramp from I-270 to I-44?
There is a significant amount of traffic that travels between eastbound (southbound) I-270 and eastbound I-44. A double loop ramp will keep that traffic moving smoothly and minimize the congestion and backup onto southbound I-270.
Why close off Watson Road from eastbound I-44?
Currently, drivers can access Watson Road from eastbound I-44 by taking the slip ramp from eastbound I-44, merging with traffic from eastbound (southbound) I-270 and then cutting across that traffic to Watson Road. Having people merge through two lanes of exiting traffic would be extremely difficult, unsafe and would cause significant congestion in that area.
What are the detours for Watson Road?
Travelers on eastbound I-44 can access Watson Road by continuing to the South Kirkwood (Route 61/67) exit and turning right. Follow Route 61/67 and turn onto Watson Road (Route 366).
How long will this restriping be in effect?
This restriping will be in effect until the completion of the I-64 reconstruction in December 2009.
What is the cost?
This project is part of the overall I-44 restriping project. Costs for the overall project are approximately $3 million.
What is the timeline?
Work on the overall I-44 restriping project will begin in August 2007 and continue until November 2007.
Additional Information
Who do I contact for more information?
For general questions, contact MoDOT Community Relations Specialist Jack Wang at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636) or click here to e-mail.
For specific questions about the project, contact MoDOT Project Manager Jim Middleton at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636) or click here to e-mail.
For general questions about traffic or travel in the South St. Louis County or northern Jefferson County, contact MoDOT Area Engineer Kristy Yates at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636) or click here to e-mail.
