ST. LOUIS — The public has an opportunity to review and provide feedback on three improvement plans for the I-64 corridor between Kingshighway and Jefferson Avenue presented by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).

The three options were presented at an open-style meeting Wednesday evening along with the Federal Highway Administration and community partners at the COLLAB Workspace in Cortex. Those who cannot attend in person can review the proposals and provide feedback online.

This is part of an ongoing I-64 central corridor study called Future64 where MoDOT has been evaluating the existing conditions of roadways, interchanges, surface streets, and bicycle/pedestrian access, as well as working with the community to determine the corridor’s future needs and desired outcomes, according to the study’s website.

Project needs as stated by MoDOT include increased safety for all users; maintain interstate function operations and capacity for future use; reduce the barrier effect of I-64 for bicycle, pedestrian and transit users; improve the transportation system with intuitive navigation to, from, and across I-64; and optimize bridge maintenance and repairs.

Below are the three alternative options as presented online:

• Consolidate access to Grand 
• Lengthen auxiliary ramps 
• Create a new north-south connection on Theresa Avenue to I-64

The estimated cost is $186 million that would include $90 million for bridge repairs, $80 million investment on the MoDOT system and $16 million on the local system.

The plan is the lowest cost option for improvements. With this plan, there would be unresolved vehicle congestion that would remain, and have many improvements to accessing MetroLink stations.

• Create a new eastbound on-ramp from Boyle
• Create bus-only lanes on Grand between Chouteau and Forest Park Avenue
• Build a new Theresa Avenue bridge over the railroad tracks

The estimated cost is $214 million that would include $90 million on bridge repairs, $96 million investment on the MoDOT system and $28 million investment on the local system.

The plan has the greatest potential for reducing the barrier effect of I-64, improve the highest ridership bus route and access to MetroLink stations, and reduce traffic congestion issues.

It is the highest cost for improvements to local transportation.

• Consolidate the Vandeventer and Tower Grove off-ramps
• Create a new eastbound I-64 on-ramp from Vandeventer
• Remove the left-hand entrance ramps at Boyle/Papin/Tower Grove and Grand/Market/Bernard

The estimated cost is $239 million that includes $90 million for bridge repairs, $130 million for investment on the MoDOT system, and $19 million investment on the local system.

The plan includes reducing traffic congestion issues, it has the highest benefit to safety for all users, and it has the greatest potential for redevelopment opportunities near I-64, transit, and rails. 

It is the highest cost for improvements to local transportation.

The no-build alternative is an option if MoDOT did not make any changes to the study area. The department would invest in maintaining the system that currently exists and other entities that have plans in the area would still make their improvements.

Planned improvements by others include a Brickline Greenway crossing on I-64 at Spring, Brickline Greenway connecting Grand and Cortex MetroLink stations, and Tower Grove Connector extension on Sarah.

MoDOT would still invest $100 million in bridge repairs.

If MoDOT does not make changes by 2050 there will be expected increase in congestion, continued safety issues for all types of users, limited improvement to the barrier effect, and continued issues with the ability to navigate I-64 and the local roadway system.

MoDOT is conducting Future64 in partnership with the city of St. Louis, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Bi-State Development, and several community partners. The study is set to conclude later this month.

One of the three alternative plans has not been selected, however, elements from all three will be combined creating a hybrid preferred alternative for future construction.

The next phase includes further evaluation of environment impact, engineering design and public engagement.

“MoDOT will continue to work with regional government partners to identify funding options, conduct environmental studies, and refine engineering designs to advance Future64,” the website states.

“As the study moves forward, we will create an action plan based on the three alternative options. This plan will outline investment priorities such as bridge repair and replacement and will identify elements that need further development with the study partners.”

For more information about Future64, click here. To view the plans and provide feedback, click here.