West Half of I-64 Opens to Crowds of Ten Thousand

On Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, more than 10,000 people celebrated the newly completed section of Interstate 64 from Interstate 270 to Interstate 170. Before the first cars drove on the roadway, people were able to walk, bike, push a stroller and just enjoy the completion.

The five-mile section of I-64 from I-270 to I-170 was closed on Jan. 2, 2008, as part of the 10-mile, $535 million reconstruction project. The western five miles were completed two weeks ahead of schedule. The project’s eastern five miles were closed the same weekend for reconstruction until the end of December 2009.

The I-64 west half completion celebrations included a 5K run, cycling time trial, bike fun ride, horse drawn carriage rides and general public fun without cars. The day had a very festive mood as people took advantage of the opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the road. Many members of the public stopped to thank any MoDOT employee they saw on the road.

“We have had great success on this project because of the great chemistry with our MoDOT team, contractor team and regional partners,” said District Engineer Ed Hassinger. “Things we have learned from the I-64 project will have long-reaching positive impacts as we move forward on future projects in St. Louis.”

Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissioner Mike Kehoe, MoDOT Director Pete Rahn, U.S. Congressman Todd Akin, Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and state and local leaders spoke at the ceremony attended by hundreds of people. The I-64 Project Director Lesley Hoffarth received a standing ovation just before the ribbon was cut.

“We are setting the model for how to deliver a complex, urban project and do it quickly and very cost effectively,” said Director Pete Rahn.