Eastbound I-70 Blanchette Bridge Project

What's Happening Now

All lanes are now open on the bridge.

As part of the $11.6 million project, 19 aging expansion joints on the eastbound Blanchette Bridge were replaced and the bridge was painted.

GatewayGuide.com

Gateway Guide helped ease congestion while construction was under way. Drivers can view real-time cameras on the Internet by visiting www.gatewayguide.com. The two cameras are located just east and west of the Blanchette Bridge There are also two dynamic message boards that will help inform drivers of construction delays. One is located on eastbound I-70 at Wentzville and one is located on eastbound I-70 at Mid Rivers Mall Dr. Drivers can also call MoDOT’s real-time St. Louis traffic hotline toll free at 1-888 511 4STL (4785) for up-to-the-minute traffic conditions.

Smart Work Zone System

MoDOT also utilized a smart work zone system to help maintain a safe, efficient work zone. Speed detectors were installed that detect the speed of vehicles. At slower speeds, message boards will be activated to display how long it will take to get through the work zone in minutes. Message boards have been placed at key decision points so motorists can use alternate routes if backups are severe. Motorists can view message board information as well as current speeds through the work zone at www.blanchettebridge.com. The system is currently being used on the I-44 widening and bridge replacement project near the city of Pacific.

Traffic Counts

Approximately 82,000 vehicles a day use the eastbound Blanchette Bridge. The eastbound bridge is approximately 25 years old. A project to repair the westbound I-70 Blanchette Bridge was completed in 1998.

For More Information

• Please contact MoDOT Area Engineer Jim Gremaud at James.Gremaud@modot.mo.gov.
• Or contact MoDOT Customer Service toll-free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636).

Photo Gallery

The two far left lanes closed May 8, 2005 (5/9/05)

One of the 19 expansion joints to be replaced (5/9/05)

Smart work zone message board (5/9/05)

Crews unload one of the new expansion joints (5/9/05)