We do not have a timeline for when the analysis will be complete. It needs to be extensive, as it involves analyzing materials and construction processes, as well as building a 3D computer model. We recognize the urgency of the situation and our third-party consultant is already at work to determine the cause as quickly as they can while doing a thorough job and this takes time. Once the analysis is complete, we will be able to determine our next steps -- as soon as we have more information available to share, we will do so. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
No, we should be shifting three lanes of eastbound traffic back onto their original lanes and reopening the Vandeventer ramp this weekend, weather permitting. Westbound traffic and the remaining eastbound lane will have to wait until we complete shifting the barrier back into its normal position, which we anticipate having completed by about mid-December. Remember, though that we will do the same for the westbound side next year, starting in early March. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
Missouri American Water is aware of the leak and is trying to track it down to be able to repair it. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
There is no way to safely open the Shrewsbury ramp without taking one interstate lane away for I-44 drivers. We understand that it is frustrating and challenging, but we have to look at the impacts not only people who use the ramps, but also to those who use the interstate. The analysis is extensive, as it involves analyzing materials and construction processes, as well as building a 3D computer model. We recognize the urgency of the situation and our third-party consultant is already at work to determine the cause as quickly as they can while doing a thorough job and this takes time. As soon as we have more information, we will share it. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
Thank you -- There is still a layer of asphalt to go over the new eastbound lanes at the end of the project (which will give us a clean surface to paint the final lanes after next year's work.) Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
It wouldn't really be prudent to speculate before the analysis is complete. Once the analysis is complete, we will review all our options to look at what will give us the quality Missouri taxpayers deserve, while getting the eastbound interstate bridge completed and reopened as soon as possible. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communciations
No, we are not concerned about the same issues at the Meramec River Bridges on I-44. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
We do not know anything conclusive, until the analysis is complete. Once the analysis is complete, and we determine if there are any issues (and what those issues are), we will be able to determine a solution to fix those issues. When we determine that solution, we will be able to give a firmer timeline on when the eastbound bridge can be completed and the eastbound interstate reopened to traffic. We cannot open the on-ramp from Shrewsbury until the bridge is complete and the eastbound interstate reopened to traffic. We will keep the public informed through this process. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
The red arrow makes it more apparent that the signal is for the left turn. I have passed your other concern about the signal to our construction team, as the work is still underway. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
There are several reasons -- primarily that the design and construction of a major river bridge is significantly different than that of most other bridges. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
We do still have several years of work along I-44 between I-55 and I-270 (with the Meramec River Bridge project expected to currently last until 2021). We still have the Jefferson Bridge at I-44 to work on (which is projected to start in 2020), as well as many of the bridges between Shrewsbury and I-270 that we are waiting for the Meramec project to be finished before we start work on them. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
Two issues significantly delayed this project. Several weeks were lost after our contractor discovered a series of subterranean utility conduits for which no installation/permit history existed. (In other words, the pipes weren't supposed to be there, and we had no idea to whom they belonged.) Before work could continue, the mystery conduits had to be removed - but we were understandably reluctant to cut into the pipes until we knew precisely what they contained. Although no utility company initially claimed ownership of the conduits, AT&T ultimately did - but only after many valuable work days had been lost. Yet more weeks were lost after we discovered that approximately 200 feet of Laclede Gas piping - resting in the ground on which the new turning lane is being built - wasn't as deep as it was supposed to be. This stretch of piping had to be uprooted and a deeper trench excavated for it. Poor weather has also posed problems. If warm weather arrives later this week as expected, there is a good possibility that we'll be able to lay the new lane's asphalt pavement, and get it and the lane adjacent to it open by next week. We very sincerely regret the inconvenience associated with this project. David Wrone, St. Louis County
Part of the issues on I-64 at Hampton and Kingshighway are more due to how close the various nterchanges are to each other (and traffic weaving to get to the interstate and ramps) than the volume of traffic using the ramps. Ramp metering is an option that MoDOT retains in its tool box, and will continue to consider using it if it is appropropriate. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
Thank you for your suggestion. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
Some of that is due to high volumes of traffic on the interstate -- traffic levels have significantly increased along I-64 after the rebuild in that area. Some of it is traffic that is moving from I-44. But you also have several interchanges that are very close to each other, and you have traffic weaving from the interstate to get to those ramps, as well as traffic trying to get up to speed to get off the ramps and onto the interstate. We are trying to get the ramps along I-64 in the city repaired to ensure that we continue to have a safe and reliable roadway system. We have the 6th Street ramp from the interstate closed during the day while crews are working on the Broadway ramp above it. The ramp is supposed to be opened before evening rush hour to help with traffic flow. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
Thank you for sharing your additional observations. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
Traffic remains heavy on Hampton from I-64 down through Bancroft (Hampton Village) throughout the week. As such we have (and still would) consider a lower traffic signal cycle length in the area south of there (Nottingham and further) on the weekend. I suspect you might be in the Eichelberger area seeing a no right on red restriction, which is in this stretch of Hampton where it would be feasible to consider. Our traffic engineers will take a look at this.
Except for the inside lanes, all lanes on eastbound and westbound I-44 in that area are 12 foot (which is the standard interstate lane width). We don't have any additional width we can use to make those inside lanes any wider. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
We will look at adding the "skip-dash" striping that will better delicate the turning path of side-by-side vehicles at this westbound approach of Walnut at 4th St. We do this already in the City for areas where it would benefit roadway safety and this appears to be be worth of it. This will help limit potential of incidents you described. Thanks for your thoughts!
For MODOT - Do you have any information on the timeline for when the consultants/contractors will finish their review of the I-44 Bridge at Shrewsbury and you will be able to announce the results? Have they started reviewing the bridgework? Will they be able to finish their review during the winter months, or do they need to wait for the spring before they can complete the study?
We do not have a timeline for when the analysis will be complete. It needs to be extensive, as it involves analyzing materials and construction processes, as well as building a 3D computer model. We recognize the urgency of the situation and our third-party consultant is already at work to determine the cause as quickly as they can while doing a thorough job and this takes time. Once the analysis is complete, we will be able to determine our next steps -- as soon as we have more information available to share, we will do so. Andrew Gates, MoDOT Communications
Traffic remains heavy on Hampton from I-64 down through Bancroft (Hampton Village) throughout the week. As such we have (and still would) consider a lower traffic signal cycle length in the area south of there (Nottingham and further) on the weekend. I suspect you might be in the Eichelberger area seeing a no right on red restriction, which is in this stretch of Hampton where it would be feasible to consider. Our traffic engineers will take a look at this.