JEFFERSON CITY – More than 220 roads remain closed across the state. The westbound direction of Interstate 44 from I-270 to Route 100 in St. Louis/Franklin counties is open to traffic by evening rush today. The eastbound direction of I-44 remains closed and there is no estimate on its reopening. Interstate 55 in St. Louis opened to traffic this morning. Motorists should check for road closures on the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org before traveling.
The eastbound I-44 traffic will continue to be detoured at Route 100 in Franklin County for 25 miles to I-270 in St. Louis. The detour is taking up to two hours at peak times. Please use Interstate 70 between St. Louis and Kansas City and then use Interstate 435 to Interstate 49 to Joplin to reconnect to Interstate 44. All work zones have been suspended on I-70 to allow for optimal traffic flow.
Route 50 at Mount Sterling in Gasconade County is expected to open sometime tonight.
The following are some of the major routes closed:
- Eastbound I-44 in St. Louis/Franklin counties closed between Route 100 and I-270
- Route 141 at I-44 in St. Louis County
- Route 30/Gravois in St. Louis County at Meramec River
- Route 21/Tesson Ferry in St. Louis County at Meramec River closed southbound only
- Route 47 Missouri River Bridge at Washington – no access to Warren County
- Route 50 at Mount Sterling in Gasconade County – expected to open tonight
Motorists are reminded that not all flooded roads will have closure signs. MoDOT cautions all travelers to never drive through water on the roadway. Turn around and find an alternate route. Flash flooding is particularly dangerous at night or the early morning hours when motorists often cannot see they are driving into floodwaters until it’s too late. Less than a foot of moving water is enough to push a vehicle.
When the water recedes, MoDOT will inspect the pavement and bridges for safety before opening the roadways for public use.
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map to stay current on all flooding closures at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The map is also available as a free app on iTunes and Google play listed as MoDOT Traveler Information. You can also call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) for up-to-date information. ###