I-44 projects- Interstate 270 to Interstate 55

UPDATE: Eastbound lanes of I-44 closure for Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20.

The Missouri Department of Transportation, and its contractor Micro-Surfacing, Inc., will close three left lanes of eastbound Interstate 44 from east of Lindbergh Boulevard to Murdoch for emergency pavement repair work Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

This project is expected to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.

UPDATE: Evening lane closures on I-44 from Murdoch to I-55 in the city of St. Louis May 16 and 17.

Due to favorable weather forecasts, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and its contractor Gaines Construction Inc., will close eastbound lanes of Interstate 44 from Murdoch to Interstate 55 in the City of St. Louis for emergency pavement repair work. The lane closures will take place Friday, May 16 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 a.m., and Saturday, May 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m., beginning in the far left lanes. Upon completion of the left lanes, crews will begin repair work on the right lanes of eastbound I-44.

Why did MoDOT re-stripe I-44?

To reduce congestion and improve traffic flow during the I-64 reconstruction through the center of St. Louis, MoDOT striped an extra lane on I-44 from I-270 through the city to Interstate 55. To do that and maintain acceptable traffic flow between I-44 and I-270, MoDOT also striped a double loop ramp from eastbound (southbound) I-270 to eastbound I-44. This double loop ramp required the closure of the current access to Watson Road that travelers on eastbound I-44 normally have. However, access to Watson from I-270 as well as westbound I-44 will still remain. These traffic changes will continue as long as the additional lane is available on I-44.

 

What is the problem with the I-44 pavement?

Sections of the interstate are experiencing raveling where striping was removed to add an additional lane. The asphalt patch that was applied to the rumble strips and median lanes has peeled off the pavement.

What is being done to fix the problem?

From I-270 to Murdoch

• Work will be done with a micro surfacing contractor to repair the pavement raveling. This repair will be a 2 foot wide asphalt sealing along the areas of I-44 where striping was removed.  This work will be done Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.
• Percentage project complete: 25 percent (Percentage project complete will be updated weekly)

East of Murdoch to I-55

• This pavement repair will include the removal of 7 foot sections of peeling asphalt primarily in the median lanes and the shoulder lanes. This work will occur at night, Monday thru Friday from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., weather permitting. Work could also include weekend night lane closures.
• Percentage project complete: 5 percent (Percentage project complete will be updated weekly)

I-44 from I-270 to I-55

• The entire section of I-44 from I-270 to I-55 will be re-surfaced in 2010. The lanes will be returned to four lanes each way with shoulders.

Will the repair work affect my commute on I-44?

MoDOT stresses the re-paving work will not be done during morning and afternoon rush hour peak times.  Work is scheduled on I-44 Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and also from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. All work is expected to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.

In 2010, MoDOT plans to undertake a major re-paving project on I-44 from I-270 into the City of St. Louis to I-55.  This major project will not begin until the I-64 project has been completed.

How do I find out about lane closures or congestion on I-44?

From the web, click below:

Today's lane closures

Gateway Guide

Traveler Information Map

You can dial 511 from your cell phone for lane closures or congestion, or call 1-888-ASK-MODOT.

 

Current News Releases

May 16,2008- Eastbound lane work for May 19 and 20th. (17.7 kb)

May 16, 2008- I-44 evening work (17.9 kb)

May 15, 2008 (18.1 kb)

May 14, 2008 (18.1 kb)

I-44 Day Work (18.1 kb)

I-44 Night Work (17.9 KB)

Who Do I Contact For More Information?

Contact MoDOT Area Engineer Kristy Yates at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636) or e-mail Kristy.Yates@modot.mo.gov

Contact MoDOT Community Relations Specialist Jack Wang at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or e-mail Jack.Wang@modot.mo.gov