I-64 Regional Traffic Briefing - Jan. 8

     ST. LOUIS - After more than three weeks since the switch of the I-64 closure, traffic patterns on the region's interstates have adjusted.  Most locations are experiencing the normal congestion spots during morning and evening rush.

"The key to congestion issues continues to be trying to avoid the peak rush.  Motorists can greatly improve their travel times on the interstates and the major roads if they avoid 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 5 to 6 p.m.," said MoDOT I-64 Project Director Lesley Hoffarth.  "MoDOT, City and County engineers will continue all year to monitor and make timing adjustments on the major roads around the I-64 closure."

Wednesday evening's key congestion was focused in the 5-6 p.m. hour with the heaviest time at 5:30 p.m. on the interstates and the arterial roads. 

Thursday morning's key congestion stretched from 7 a.m. to after 9 a.m.  The last two sections to clear were eastbound I-70 from Lucas and Hunt to downtown and on southbound I-170 approaching Forest Park Parkway.  These two sections didn't clear until almost 9:30 a.m. 

"With the east half closure, southbound I-170 approaching the exit to Forest Park Parkway is having severe backups in the right lane from north of Delmar to the Parkway.  The delays last from 7:45 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.," said Hoffarth.  "Motorists are encouraged to use other exits from I-170 to get into Clayton including Delmar and Ladue Road or flex your commute times." 

For more information on the I-64 project, visit www.thenewi64.org/ or call the project hotline at 314-524-9191.  For current traffic conditions, go to www.gatewayguide.com/ or call 5-1-1.