ST. LOUIS - Traffic on regional roads in the St. Louis metropolitan area is still lighter than usual, but has been approaching normal levels along interstates. Speeds on the interstates were good, with most vehicles traveling greater than 45 mph.  

"The public is doing a great job of using alternate work schedules and travel routes," said Lesley Hoffarth, I-64 project manager. "The interstates are still flowing smoothly, so the interstate system is still the best choice for travel. Volumes are ramping up and we expect to be at normal volumes next week."

Hoffarth mentioned that as traffic volumes increase, drivers need to use the additional lanes from southbound I-270 to access eastbound I-44. The right most lane exits onto I- 44, while drivers can use the next lane to either stay on I-270 or exit to I-44. Both exit lanes exit directly onto I-44, and drivers do not have to merge with the lanes on I-44.  Motorists are encouraged to maximize these new lanes to help traffic flow at this interchange.

Additionally, people need to move their vehicle to a safe place if they are involved in a crash or other incident and the vehicle is driveable. This will help keep traffic flowing better.

Rush Period: 

• Time = 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Summary of Trouble Spots:

• Water main break at westbound Ladue and I-270. Utility crews were on the scene repairing it. Traffic backed up to Spoede.
• MoDOT working with county to coordinate signals at Ladue and I-270 with Ballas.
• Timing changes made on Ballas at Clayton.
• Ladue and Clayton are at more than 150 percent of normal traffic - suggested alternates include Page and Manchester.

Incident Report:

• Motorist assist and I-64 traffic response responded to 85 incidents, including 16 crashes.
• Incident on I-270 and Route 367, rollover crash - three right lanes closed. Traffic continued to flow on I-270.

Possible alternates:

• MoDOT engineers noticed there was additional availability for traffic on I-70, I-44, St. Charles Rock Road, Lindbergh, Manchester and Page.

Metro information:

• Metro is encouraging customers to use larger Park Ride lots, such as the new Chesterfield Mall lot and the lots at North Hanley and Shrewsbury MetroLink stations.

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