ST. LOUIS -  The first day of closures went smoother than anticipated. Westbound I-64 was closed at I-170 at 12:01 a.m. Eastbound I-64 was closed at Ballas at 1:30 a.m. 

"After a year of planning, the first day of the closure went smoothly and better than expected," said MoDOT District Engineer Ed Hassinger. "Motorists started their daily commutes earlier than normal and all the alternate routes were used. It was a good first rush period. We will continue to monitor, manage and respond to each rush period. We expect volumes will continue to build this week and peak next week when schools are back open and everyone goes back to work."

Rush Period: 

• Volumes = increased on I-55, I-44 and I-70
• Time = 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (earlier than normal)

Summary of Trouble Spots:

• Eastbound I-64 to Hanley southbound. 
  Changes were made to the signal timing during the morning to help traffic flow
  Changes will be made today to the signs on southbound I-170 to direct motorists to use other exits to get through this area.
• Minor trouble spots from water main breaks and leaks around the region including Clayton Road from McKnight to McCutcheon, southbound Lindbergh at Schuetz and Conway, Watson Road at Crestwood Plaza, Gravois Road west of McKenzie, Ballas north of Manchester, and two on Ladue Road near I-270. 

No accidents during morning rush.

Metro information:

• Ridership only 75% of a typical weekday
• Park Ride lots with plenty of space available
• Customers beginning to use new park ride locations, like Chesterfield Mall
• New customers used Metro for first time today

For more information on the I-64 project, visit http://www.thenewi64.org/, and for real-time traffic information, visit http://www.gatewayguide.com/.