MODOT statement:
We have continued to work on the Tower Grove project without much of a significant impact to the through traffic on I-64 through the area. Crews are moving along with the grading and roadwork needed to construct both the Taylor and Newstead bridges, as well as work on the new pavement needed along the interstate.
We have a couple projected interstate closures for the area, for two separate projects. The first will be a full closure of I-64 for utility work across the interstate. This is a part of the Tower Grove project and will be similar to the closure we had earlier this year to demolish the bridges. Weather permitting, we are planning to close all lanes and ramps on the interstate in both directions between Hampton and Forest Park Parkway at 8 p.m. Friday, March 29. We will also close the ramps from McCausland/Skinker, Hampton and Kingshighway to eastbound I-64 during this time. In addition, the ramps from Pine, Jefferson, Market and Grand to westbound I-64 will be closed during this time.
We will reopen all lanes and ramps by 5 a.m. Monday, April 1. Like the last closure, there will be one eastbound lane that will be able to continue to Kingshighway. We will be detouring eastbound interstate traffic to southbound Hampton, to eastbound I-44 and back to the Poplar Street Bridge. We will detour westbound traffic to Forest Park Avenue, to southbound Kingshighway and back to westbound I-64.
Our second interstate closure is due to the Jefferson Bridge replacement project in April. Weather permitting, we are planning to close the interstate in both directions at 8 p.m. Friday, April 19. All lanes and ramps between 2100 Market and Forest Park Avenue will be closed.
We will reopen all lanes and ramps by 5 a.m. Monday, April 22. The exact details of the detour are still being worked out. We’ll put that information out closer to the April 19 closure.
We are unable to combine the two closures, mainly because detouring the traffic along city streets for both closures would significantly impact downtown traffic.
Jefferson Avenue across I-64 will be closed for no more than 90 days. While Jefferson is closed, drivers crossing over the interstate can use Compton, 18th or 14th Street to detour around the closure. Cyclists and pedestrians may also consider using Scott and Ewing to detour around the closure. The ramps at Jefferson will also close for three weeks as part of reconstruction. Both ramps will not be closed at the same time. The specific dates for those ramp closures have not been determined yet.
You can find out more information on these projects at our web site: http://www.modot.org/stlouis/major_projects/stlouiscityupdates.htm