St. Charles County Transportation Plan 2030 - East-West Gateway ...

B-1. MoDOT Roads
The following parts of this chapter describe various types of improvements that can be made to
MoDOT roads. It also discusses present funding for MoDOT and the outlook for additional funds in
the future.
B-1.1. Interstate and Freeways
I-64 will have serious congestion between Rt. N and Rt. K. It will only have two lanes in each
direction and traffic forecasts indicate volumes at capacity. These forecasts are based on Rt. 364 not
being completed by 2030. Should that occur volumes will probably drop such that it will operate
below capacity. It seems, regardless of the ultimate timing of Rt. 364, I-64 will have congestion
problems. Although ITS implementation will be helpful, adding a lane in each direction is the only
true way to provide for the additional volumes. This should not be a costly improvement since the
road is already in place and can accommodate the widening. It will also improve the road’s safety
and travel on other roads that feed traffic to it. This improvement is recommended in view of the
importance of the safety and efficiency of travel on this Interstate route.
I-70 presents a very serious problem due to the extent of the forecasted deficiencies. Traffic volumes
are expected to be well in excess of the road’s capacity. Unfortunately, widening presents high costs,
environmental and social concerns, and serious traffic problems during construction. Some minor
widening could be accomplished with auxiliary lanes between interchanges. This should be
considered from I-64/U.S. 61 to Bryan Rd., and from Rt. 370 to Zumbehl Rd. In addition, some
interchanges could be upgraded to better handle traffic. These improvements would not only help
congestion, but they would improve the roads’ safety and air quality in the region.
Over the years there have been numerous discussions between MoDOT, St. Charles County, and other
agencies, about remedies for the congestion on I-70. Early in the planning stage of Rt. 370, a
connection between it and Rt. 79 along a corridor north of old town St. Peters from about Spencer Rd.
west to Rt. 79 was discussed. This concept was never pursued for many reasons. First, there was no
study to support that sufficient traffic would use it to greatly relieve I-70. Second, funding for its
construction and adding it to the state system was an issue. Third, there were numerous
environmental concerns about building a road in this location. Although this improvement was never
pursued by MoDOT, the County still is of the opinion that it would be of value.
This report has discussed the severity of congestion on I-70 and how it is only going to get worse.
It suggests that MoDOT consider all improvement alternatives to alleviate future congestion. The
above roadway plan could possibly reduce some future traffic on I-70 between Rt. 79 and Rt. 370.
Therefore, for that reason, this report recommends that a study be conducted to determine how much
traffic would be diverted, any environmental concerns and other issues, and the cost-benefit of such
an improvement.
A new wider westbound bridge over the Missouri River presents a real challenge for MoDOT. Such
an improvement would present extremely difficult construction problems and would be quite costly.
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