Districts Impacted
Project Milestones
MoDOT completed a study in 2003 and presented the findings to the public in 2004.
I-55 and River Des Peres Study
In 2003, MoDOT began a study to look at the transportation needs in the Interstate 55 River Des Peres Communities of Lemay, Affton and south St. Louis City. Several past and ongoing studies address economic development and transportation issues in the study area.
On February 11, 2004, MoDOT presented the final recommendations to the public at a meeting held at the Hancock Elementary School, located 9101 S. Broadway. There were almost 100 people in attendance.
At this time, the study is complete and the final recommendations include interchange modifications to enhance access to I-55 at Loughborough Avenue, Germania Street, Carondelet Blvd., and Weber Road; extending Carondelet Blvd./Weber Road to Broadway; enhancing the streetscapes of Lemay Ferry Rd. and South Broadway; and creating a local transit circulator route similar to the Clayton Shuttle Bee.
Although this plan is supported by several agencies and elected officials, there is currently NO FUNDING for design, right of way acquisition, or construction for any projects.
As such, the plan will likely be phased over time with scheduling being dependent on the availability of funding and future development in the area, as well as the cooperation of the public, elected officials, local businesses, community groups and involved agencies.
Your continued support, and interaction will be important to the successful implementation of the plan.
For More Information
For more information on the I-55 River Des Peres Communities Transportation Investment Plan or if you would like to order a copy of the Final Report, please contact Wesley Stephen or Community Relations Manager Marie Elliott at 1-888-ASK-MODOT.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of this study?
A. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) conducted a study to look at the transportation needs in the I-55 River Des Peres communities of Lemay, Affton and south St. Louis City. Basically, the purpose for this study is to look at how transportation improvements can help make these communities a better place to live, work, and do business.
2. What is the study area?
A. The study area consists of the communities of Lemay, portions of Affton, Wilbur Park and Bella Villa, in unincorporated St. Louis County; and the area of St. Louis City just northeast of the River Des Peres. The outer boundaries or limits of the study area are Loughborough Avenue to the north, Reavis Barracks Road to the south, the Mississippi River to the east and Gravois Road to the west. In addition to Interstate 55, there are several other state-owned highways, within the study area, that MoDOT is responsible for maintaining. They include Hwy. 30 (Gravois Rd.), Hwy. 267 (Lemay Ferry Rd.) and Hwy. 231 (South Broadway).
3. Who have you met with?
A. In order to develop an effective plan that will benefit these communities, MoDOT has maintained continuous dialog with the communities, agencies, and elected leadership involved. Our efforts have included more than 30 meetings with local leaders and organizations such as the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Metro, St. Louis County, the City of St. Louis, Trailnet, Great Rivers Greenway, MSD, St. Louis Port Authority, St. Louis Development Corporation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and National Parks Service as well as local, state, and federal political leaders; local community stabilization groups; local business owners; and prospective developers. We have also reached out directly to the residents in the study area through public meetings including a "Needs Assessment Workshop" in May 2003 at the Bayless Intermediate School and an "Alternatives Development Workshop" in July 2003 at the Hancock Elementary School.
4. What is the current status of the study?
A. The study is complete, and the final recommendations have been presented to the public. These recommendations include interchange modifications to enhance access to I-55 at Loughborough Avenue, Germania Street, Carondelet Boulevard, and Weber Road; extending Carondelet Boulevard/Weber Road to Broadway; enhancing the streetscapes of Lemay Ferry Road and South Broadway; and creating a local transit circulator route similar to the Clayton Shuttle Bee. However, there is no funding identified for this work
5. How was this study funded?
A. This study was made possible with federal funds secured by Congressman Gephardt.
6. Will the federal funds secured by Congressman Gephardt also cover construction of the recommended projects?
A. Although this plan enjoys the support of several agencies and elected officials, there is currently no funding for design, right of way acquisition, or construction for any projects. As such, projects will likely be phased over time with their scheduling being dependent on the availability of funding and future development in the area, as well as the cooperation of the public, elected officials, local businesses, community groups, and involved agencies. Your continued support, interest, and interaction with the partnered agencies and stakeholders will be important to the successful implementation of the plan. In order to facilitate this process, we have made recommendations for not only the improvements that are required, but also for funding options and mechanisms that agencies could employ cooperatively.