ST. LOUIS - The Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) has accepted the Purpose and Need statement for the Future64 study.
This statement, developed by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) in conjunction with local, state and federal partners is one of the first big steps in the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process. MoDOT is evaluating I-64 between Kingshighway and Jefferson where improvements are due in the corridor. Many of the interchanges are outdated and difficult to navigate, the bridges need rehabilitation and maintenance to ensure the corridor stays operational for the foreseeable future and to meet current highway standards.
As a part of this study, the department is working with partners and stakeholders to look at all modes of transportation, since transit is currently present and plans for other bike and pedestrian trails are in the works. MoDOT’s intent is to reduce the role the interstate plays as a barrier to movement in the community as future transportation plan continue to be refined. MoDOT has made data available to the public for interactive exploration through the Future64.com website using the “Interactive Map Tool” found under the Documents tab. Users can explore several categories of data about the area such as existing safety and traffic conditions, community characteristics, and environmental data by turning on and off layers on the maps. The maps offer users the ability to examine the corridor holistically.
Based on early feedback from key stakeholders, advisory groups, and the community, the Purpose and Need statement guides the vision for the study. The project’s needs and goals are intended to shape the alternatives to be considered in future transportation planning. MoDOT will now begin developing and evaluating conceptual alternatives for the corridor, a process that will require continued public participation and input later this fall.
MoDOT is partnering with the City of St. Louis, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Metro, and Great Rivers Greenway to conduct the Future64 study, which will end in early 2023.
Visit Future64.com to read the Purpose and Need Flyer and view other reports, technical memos and explore the Interactive Maps tool.
###