ST. LOUIS - Traffic continues to flow well around the St. Louis region for the sixth month after the closure of five miles of Interstate 64 from Interstate 270 to Interstate 170 on January 2.  Volumes have decreased just slightly with the first month of summer on some of the interstates and the travel times have also improved.

    "It is common to have slightly less volume and improved travel times during the summer months," said Tom Blair, MoDOT's Assistant District Engineer.  "Although traffic patterns may be lighter due to the summer travel season, drivers still need to use the interstates where possible, shift their commute times or use their public transportation options."

    With rising gas prices, many of the commuter lots close to the I-270 loop are overflowing. On I-44 for example, the lot at Route 141 is overflow, but there is still a good amount of space at the commuter lot at I-44 and Antire. MoDOT is also working to construct a new lot near Eureka, which should be complete later this summer.

Here are the major observations from the month of June:

     · The peak time during the rush continues to be 7-8 a.m. and 5-6 p.m., just like before the closure.  Avoiding these peak morning and evening hours will improve travel times.

     · St. Louis County reports a slight decrease in traffic volumes on Clayton Road and Ladue Road compared to the month of May, however the volumes are still up significantly compared to before the closure. 

MoDOT and its transportation partners will continue to monitor the roads on a regular basis and provide updates on the web twice a month including a monthly summary.  For more information on the I-64 project and to stay updated on the construction schedule, visit http://www.thenewi64.org/.  on the I-64 project and to stay updated on the construction schedule, visit http://www.thenewi64.org/.