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Ask the Road Crew

Is your route to work giving you a headache because of potholes, poorly timed lights or street construction? Let the experts know, and ask them your questions about highways and roads. The live chat starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

3rd & 7 37yd

The lights on Kirkwood Rd through Kirkwood are poorly timed. Especially Adams and Jefferson. They always seem to be opposite each other and its a very short block.

by tcrowelljr 9/11/2019 12:52:35 PM
Kirkwood Road is maintained by the city of Kirkwood. You will need to talk to them about their signal timing. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 12:52:36 PM
Driving on Lindbergh through Sunset Hills either direction, it seems to often require stopping at East Watson and West Watson, and ALWAYS require stops at both Gravois and Sappington. Is there any way these can be timed even somewhat together?

by James 9/11/2019 12:57:33 PM
Do you have a more specific time when you see this? It can help our traffic engineers see if there are ways to improve the issue. Currently, traffic along Lindbergh near I-44 is a bit heavy due to the extra traffic using it to access I-44 until the Watson Road bridge/ramp reopens. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 12:57:33 PM
My question is why are the traffic lights in Saline Valley on 141 impending not helping traffic? From Springdale Rd. To Hwy 21 one can sit trying to turn when traffic is non apparent? The Left turn heading south lanes can hold up to 7 vehicles yet the light allows only 3 to cross.

by Tim Clark 9/11/2019 2:31:10 PM
What time are you seeing this -- for example during morning or evening rush. Often times, due to consistant traffic levels, they need to limit certain turns, but if they have specifics, they can see if they can make any adjustments. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 2:31:11 PM
Hi guys, appreciate you doing this. The lights on Gravois between Kingshighway and Jefferson seem to be deliberately timed to make me stop at every intersection.

by Roger Stanfield 9/11/2019 3:58:28 PM
I commute between Missouri and Illinois everyday. I noticed before their gas tax doubled, the price of gas in Illinois was usually about 20 cents more than the St. Louis area. Then after the gas tax doubled, and is now more than twice that of Missouri, gas today in Maryville is $2.49 and a lot of places in St. Louis are in the $2.30 to $2.40 range especially the closer they get to Illinois. So looking at gas buddy for the St. Louis area, I have come to the conclusion that St. Louis is absorbing the gas tax increase in Illinois. I know you guys can't do anything about this if true, I'm just saying all those tax payers who voted against the gas tax, are now paying about the same price for gas as Illinois, but the extra money they spend isn't going to the roads. If you want cheap gas drive to Kingdom City.

by Taxman 9/11/2019 4:01:57 PM
Thanks for sharing your thoughts --- there are a lot of factors that go into the price of gas -- most of them determined by either the fuel supplier or by the vendor. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 4:01:58 PM
Bayless at I-55 remains a mess with traffic backed up past Avenue H this morning. The contractors building the bike path might be permitted to close these lanes, but no work has been done. This has been an issue for more than a month. What is wrong with demanding they complete the work for the bridge supports ASAP to get these lanes reopened? The casual indifference shown in an earlier chat about this issue was disappointing.

by Bayless Blues 9/11/2019 4:40:01 PM
We continue to discuss concerns such as this with the GRG team that is overseeing the work and encouraging them to limit their impact on traffic as much as possible. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 4:40:01 PM
Hi, this is for the City. The cross walk signal on the south side at 4th and Market has not been accurate since the utility work last spring. The walk signal is short, showing only the time for west and northbound onto 4th turning traffic from Market and not the time for eastbound Market traffic turning north onto 4th. Just the south side of 4th is affected, since the north side crosswalk signal has to be shorter for the Market eastbound and left turning traffic. Thanks!

by Jean Chris 9/11/2019 5:03:40 PM
Our traffic signal techs will check this out - thanks

by Jamie Wilson 9/11/2019 5:03:40 PM
When’s the art project on 44 that looks like a three-year-old is working on it going to be completed? Painted lines all over the place.......just ridiculous. I feel like a fly trapped inside of a spider’s web every afternoon when I leave the city. Is this thing actually going to be done or is this a lifetime project?

by Bob Guilliuame 9/11/2019 5:07:38 PM
The bridge work between Kingshighway and Grand will be completed in December, and all lanes will reopen in both directions; however, we need to place a final layer of asphalt on the roadway to bring everything up to the same level, and cover all the old lane lanes. That will give us a clean surface to put new lines on. That will happen next spring. However, we do have additional work along I-44 -- Jefferson starts next year. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communciations

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 5:07:38 PM
At one time it was mentioned that 141 Southbound would have the 44 East exit only lane extend to 44 west. Will this exit only lane ever be extended to 44 West? Traffic around Big Bend to 44 on 141 is pretty bad during rush hour.

by L 9/11/2019 5:15:30 PM
Yes, that will happen later this year. We still have some resurfacing to do along Route 141 before that happens. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications.

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 5:15:31 PM
Besides the construction on 44 at the Meramec river and the Jefferson bridge, are there any other bridge projects scheduled for next year? I heard that there will be a bunch of bridge construction on 44 between Lewis and Six Flags at some point.

by L 9/11/2019 5:23:20 PM
Yes, there are several bridges being worked on west of the Meramec River next year. They include Osage, Viaduct, Route OO, Six Flags, and over the BNSF and UP railroads. There is also work on Loop 44 at Fox Creek and at Route 109 and First Street. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 5:23:20 PM
How long is the Jefferson bridge at 44 scheduled to take for completion? Is this another 2 year project? Last summer a bridge on 270 near Dorsett was rebuilt. This bridge only took 10 weeks to complete even though both sides of the highway had 5 lanes. Why do the bridges on 44 take 2 years to complete, yet this bridge only took 10 weeks to complete?

by Amy 9/11/2019 5:32:24 PM
The work on I-44 near Jefferson is expected to take two years. There are a lot of variables that can impact the length of time that a project takes -- the length of the bridge, the type of the project (is it a rebuild or a renovation, for instance), the amount of traffic and the other potential impacts. We want to try to limit those impacts.Because the work is in the city, and there are a lot of residences near the roadway that will be impacted by around the clock or night work (and there are fewer lanes and roadway width), it takes longer to do the project. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 5:32:26 PM
Will each of those bridges be worked on at the same time? Will this be another 2 year project with East bound bridges being worked on one year and west bound bridges being worked on the second year?

by L 9/11/2019 5:34:59 PM
We are still working through a lot of the final details on that particular project (the bridges west of I-270 along I-44). We'll probably know more closer to the end of the year, although we'll ultimately have to work through the final bridge staging with the contractor that gets awarded the contract. We'll try to minimize having bridge work on a detour or relief route for one of the other bridges. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 5:34:59 PM
St. Louis County's Department of Transportation is hosting an open house tomorrow (September 12) to discuss potential improvements to Reavis Barracks and Green Park roads.The meeting will start at 4 p.m. and end at 7 p.m., and is being held in Jefferson Barracks Park's Lemay Pavilion (305 Gregg Road). Public input into our potential improvements will play an important role as we move forward in selecting a final plan. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and share their views. David Wrone, St. Louis County

by dwrone 9/11/2019 5:51:21 PM
MoDot has closed 3 bridges spanning the Boubeuse River in Franklin and Gasconade. counties in the span of Less than 10 miles. Alternate routes for first respnders to reach some residents take well over 45 minutes, some are blocked entirely during heavy rains. How did they justify their decisions?

by Arle Appler 9/11/2019 6:02:36 PM
Just like a house, bridges (especially river bridges) need extensive work to ensure that they remain safe and operational over long periods of time. During any project such as this, especially when the work has a dramatic impact on drivers and residents, we work with first responders before and during the project. We also try to limit work (for instance, the most recent bridge work was delayed until Franklin County was able to complete and open a bridge they were working on. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communciations

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 6:03:59 PM
After the aforementioned Jefferson work is complete on 44, what is next for 44?
And what is being done to prevent a re-occurrence of the issues we faced in Shrewsbury?

by Doug 9/11/2019 6:09:26 PM
The issues on Shrewsbury were unusual -- it was a complex bridge for many reasons. We are confident, especially considering our excellent track record otherwise, that that problem should not reoccur. After Jefferson, there isn't much left in the city -- although we do have several bridges between the city limits and I-270 that will need attention after the Meramec River Bridge is finished. Once we are finished with the work on I-44 in the city, we will need to move to I-55, as many of the bridges along that corridor are also starting to get to the point where they need rehabilitation, renovation or replacement. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 6:09:27 PM
I have noticed that the 11th street eastbound 40/64 exit is filled with debris. Does anyone clean it??
Also 40/64 from 11th street westbound is loaded with debris such as car parts, tires, trash, etc. It is very disgusting to see that on my way home.

by Ernie 9/11/2019 6:13:16 PM
We regularly send sweeping crews out along state-maintained routes in the city. I will share your concerns with the maintenance team in the city area. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 6:13:17 PM
To your point of working with first responders, EMS was not aware of the alternate routes being under water, thus backtracking delayed response time during an emergency. MoDot scheduled these projects concurrently until intervention by a higher authority

by Arlie Appler 9/11/2019 6:18:40 PM
Since you are speaking in generalities, I don't know if the alternate routes of which you are speaking are state-maintained (although they should be if they are the official detour route). In Franklin County, we have no way of knowing which MoDOT routes may have water on them, without the information being reported to the department through law enforcement or other emergency responders, or without our maintenance team having eyes on the situation( which typically can't happen until we are alerted there may be an issue) . Roadway conditions can change quickly, especially during heavy rainstorms. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 6:18:45 PM
If I remember correctly, 141 was supposed to be built over 44 to keep it from flooding. Now we have a east bound flyover and a new bridge over th he Meremac. Why?

by Baseball like it ought to be 9/11/2019 6:37:07 PM
There never was a project to take Route 141 over I-44. The recent project at Route 141 and I-44 was to reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic, and reduce maintenance along that stretch of roadway (including reducing the duration and impact of flash flooding). The flyover ramp helps keep southbound traffic heading for both eastbound and westbound I-44 moving during flooding events (especially if the Meramec River floods. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 6:37:07 PM
Can the green light northbound Laclede Station at Watson be 15 seconds longer? It is timed to turn yellow with traffic passing Heege rd which does not allow those turning off Heege or the QT to make it thru the light.

by Matt S 9/11/2019 6:37:32 PM
I've asked our traffic team to take a look at this signal. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communciations

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 6:37:40 PM
When you began the work on 44 you asked people to either change work hours or find an alternate way to help ease congestion. I and apparently many others chose taking Manchester west in the pm. This has resulted in a mess in the Grove area anytime from 4:15 on. It is frustrating to keep sitting and not be able to move when the lights turn green. Taylor is totally out of sync and really impacts how many lights one sits through at Kingshighway. Thanks for taking part in these chats.

by Anne 9/11/2019 6:39:47 PM
I've asked our traffic team to take a look and see if they can make any adjustments along that stretch. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 6:39:48 PM
I hate to make another comment on a stoplight, but here goes! The stoplight at Page and Ball/Wesport Center Dr. needs some attention. Specifically going eastbound on Page at off peak hours. The EB Page light goes red CONSTANTLY, for phantom left turns from WB Page onto Westport Center drive. This happens at least once every minute. Can this be disabled during off peak hours? Or at least put sensors there that don't trigger immediately? Can you also give out the number to call to report these?

by Steve K 9/11/2019 7:06:35 PM
I have passed this along to our signal maintenance to check into. You can always call our customer service team 24/7 at 1-888-ASK-MODOT. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 7:06:36 PM
Any chance of taking a look at the lights on north and south 109 in eureka around 44? During The morning and evening travel time, the lights seems to back up traffic significantly. Thanks.

by Gk 9/11/2019 7:07:18 PM
I'll ask our traffic team to take a look at them. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 7:07:18 PM
I've also noticed cars getting stuck for long periods of time at N Broadway and Cole Street right by the dome because they light stays green for such a short amount of time. It takes longer to get through this intersection than the whole drive to St. Louis from my home in Illinois. This is worst before ballgames/ events downtown. Often intersections that have green lights have no cars sitting at them while traffic is bottlenecked up on Broadway with a very short green light time. Sensors on intersections would greatly help here as well.

by Dan Downtown 9/11/2019 7:07:40 PM
That is complex signalized location as it is multiple intersections operated by a single controller. That in itself lends to a long wait time as it cycles to the various legs that cannot operate concurrently. We will still investigate that location to see if anything is malfunctioning.

by Jamie Wilson 9/11/2019 7:07:40 PM
West bound 30 has both the Eastside and westside traffic lights and the a set at kennerly. The issue is the lights should turn red in sequence going westbound. Instead the westside at kennerly turns red and cars keep coming West and block Hwy. 30 for cars coming off SB 270 to West bound 30 they have no where to turn. I hope this makes sense. Thank you

by Rich 9/11/2019 7:09:50 PM
You don't say what time this is -- typically Route 30 is weighed toward I-270 in the morning and away in the evening. However, if vehicles are pushing into the intersection and blocking it, that is a matter for law enforcement. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications

by andrew.gates 9/11/2019 7:09:50 PM
The City does operate special event timing for major event venues' egress to flush traffic out at these times. We are always looking for funding opportunities to purchase additional in-pavement vehicle sensors. These allow the intersection to sense vehicle activity and any unused time is reallocated to the movements where activity exists. We have a good amount of these sensors, but can always use more for new intersections as well as replacement of older equipment.

by Jamie Wilson 9/11/2019 7:10:58 PM
Is there any talk of putting sensors in intersections in the city so lights will turn based on there actually cars being there? Almost all of the small towns in IL have sensors on all stop-light intersections, but there don't appear to be any in the city. Sitting at empty intersections almost every day is quite annoying.

by Dan Downtown 9/11/2019 7:11:00 PM
Syncing the lights on Tucker sure would help clear traffic out of the city faster during rush hour and after sporting events/ concerts in the city. Cars seem to get congested the whole length of Tucker leading up to the Stan bridge because 2 intersections ahead a light will turn green, but cars can't move because the intersection they are sitting at is still red, and by the time that intersection turns green the next one up is red again. Also makes it very hard to get onto Tucker from side streets such as Locust. Talking about the intersections at Washington & Tucker, Locust & Tucker, and the ones leading up to those areas. Sensors on intersections would help this as well.

by Dan Downtown 9/11/2019 7:11:04 PM

Live Chats

Ask the Road Crew

Is your route to work giving you a headache because of potholes, poorly timed lights or street construction? Let the experts know, and ask them your questions about highways and roads. The live chat starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

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