New I-70 Mississippi River Bridge

[Scott5114]

Yeah, they need to just man up and spend the money. You've already cut from an 8 lane to a 4 lane span on a transcontinental interstate's crossing of the most significant river on the continent (which is just stupid, doesn't matter how much money it saves), and you want to cut *more*?

How has the project been scaled down?  Any other specifics of what has been cut?

Also, You mean the 8-lane bridge is not just a four lane bridge, with two lanes each way? Yikes!

2 lanes each way!? That seems to be a little small, especially for a main connector over the Mississippi.

"After years of haggling over how to pay for the bridge, Illinois and Missouri reached agreement in early 2008 to build a four-lane, cable-stayed bridge north of the Edward Jones Dome."

[Revive 755]

I'm not sure how to directly link to this, but if one zooms in around St. Louis on the NHS map in the HEP GIS application at the link, the map shows the bridge and the delayed connector to I-55 east of IL 203 as an already complete interstate in Illinois.

http://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/hepgis_v2/Highway/Map.aspx

The I-64 connector to the bridge is shown as an unbuilt NHS route.

[Revive 755]

I got hold of a copy of the conceptual signing plan and it looks like the bit of what is now I-70 between the new bridge and the Poplar Street Bridge will become a new three-digit Interstate--Missouri I-264.

Plans are up on the official project website.  I-44 will be taking over for I-70 on the existing highway:
http://www.newriverbridge.org/documents/plans/J6U1086%20plans/Roadway/157-262_SIGNING_J6U1086.pdf

Other Comments
* Multiple pages:  I don't exactly like "I-44 East to I-70 West" - the I-264 option might have worked better here

* Don't like the diagrammatic signs for the I-55/I-44 interchange being replaced either with standard and/or the upward arrow signs

* Page 9/103:  So MoDOT still can't bother to properly sign MO 30 from WB I-44/SB I-55?  In the past, the excuse was they didn't want to replace the sign - Wonder what the excuse is this time.

* Page 9/103 - Great example of where the "Left" tab requirement is just a waste of money.  If someone cannot figure out from the arrows alone that the exit is on the left side of the highway, they probably cannot handle many other issues they will face when driving.

* Page 18/103:  Signage for the EB entrance to the reversible lanes - should be a VMS, unless MoDOT is making the reversible lanes permanently EB.

* Page 22/103:  Where are "TO I-64 East/I-55 North" on the signs on EB I-70 nearing the new bridge?  Is MoDOT trying to keep motorist using the I-70 PSB ramps?

* Page 24/103:  Same as above, though this one indicates traffic for I-55 definitely should use the PSB.

(Edit 1:  Changed post icon)
(Edit 2:  Added/edited commentary)

[Revive 755]

An appendix to the Access Justification report for the new bridge has the I-64 to new bridge connector (being built now as part of the initial project phase; will be signed as I-70) becoming I-564 after I-70 is ulitmately relocated on a new alignment to connect with I-55 east of IL 203.  However there is a note that the number has not been formally approved.  See http://www.newriverbridge.org/documents/plans/J6U1086%20plans/AJR/Appendix%20C%20Figures%2001%20to%2020.pdf (Page 21/21).

[kharvey10]

Now if we would see MoDOT start using that Indianapolis control city for their section of 270 in North County like IDiOT does.

[Revive 755]

The main project website has a powerpoint presentation showing the improvements to the Missouri PSB interchange.

http://www.newriverbridge.org/documents/PSB-CARConsultantPresentation121216wonotes.pptx

* The ramp from SB Memorial Drive and EB I-70 to the PSB is removed

* The current ramp from NB I-55 to the PSB is widened to two lanes

* The existing ramps from the PSB to WB I-70/NB Memorial and SB I-55 are demolished and replaced with a new two lane ramp that splits into separate two lane ramps.  The ramp to SB I-55 is slightly realigned.

* The depressed section is modified into a 2x3 configuration with six foot shoulders.  The new lane is a WB auxiliary lane  between the I-70 PSB ramp and the new exit to the Eads Bridge/Washington Avenue added as part of the Arch Grounds revisions.

EDIT:  The construction camera that had been viewing the Missouri approach spans has also been shifted west to view the interchange with existing I-70.

EDIT2:  There are also conceptual plans on the main site now for the PSB interchange.

[Revive 755]

IDOT has plans up for the interchange between the I-70 approach to the bridge and the eventual relocation of IL 3:
http://eplan.dot.il.gov/desenv/012012/76E06-154/PLANS/

Interesting how on the signing plans IDOT is not using any secondary control cities for Eastbound I-70, eastbound I-64, and Northbound I-55, and immediately jumps to Kansas City for Westbound I-70 instead of using either St. Louis, St. Charles (as is done on I-270 in Illinois), or simply Missouri.  Example on signage sheet:
http://eplan.dot.il.gov/desenv/012012/76E06-154/PLANS/012012-76E06-154-354-206-11x17.pdf

[Stratuscaster]

The whole "I-44 EAST ENDS, CONTINUE ON I-70 WEST" and vice versa seems awkward at best.

As do the dozens of 55-64-70-44 combo shields.

The "I-44 WEST to I-55 TULSA/MEMPHIS" signs are odd, too - leaving off the "SOUTH" for I-55 and putting the control cities on a single line with a slash.

And while I see where I-564 would 'fit' for that connector, with I-70 being the primary route the connector serves, I-570 might make more sense.

[Alex]

I-64 In East St. Louis Closed Mar 30 - Apr 2

Working on a new guide for Interstate 64 east, I came across this article about the closing of all I-64 between I-55/70 and IL-111 set for next weekend. They will be demolishing the 9th and 10th Street bridges by the Tri-Level Interchange in prep for the new I-70 ramps.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced today that both directions of I-64 will be closed from west of IL 111 to the I-64/55/70 split in East St. Louis beginning Friday, March 30 at 9 p.m. until Monday, April 2 at 5 a.m., weather permitting.

The interstate closure is necessary to remove the two bridges that carry 9th Street and 10th Street over I-64.  All traffic will be detoured around the area via I-255 and I-55/70.  No westbound I-64 traffic will be allowed west of IL 111 nor will any eastbound traffic be allowed east of the I-64/55/70 split.

[Revive 755]

Siging changes related to the bridge project in Illinois are part of the April letting for IDOT as contract number 76C45:

http://eplan.dot.il.gov/desenv/042712/76C45-113/

[Alex]

Siging changes related to the bridge project in Illinois are part of the April letting for IDOT as contract number 76C45:

http://eplan.dot.il.gov/desenv/042712/76C45-113/

So old I-70 will be a northward extension of I-44 after all...another example of extending an existing number in lieu of creating a new one. What is the advantage of having I-44 be extended? I-264 shields too expensive to fabricate? 

http://eplan.dot.il.gov/desenv/042712/76C45-113/PLANS/042712-76C45-113-145-117-11x17.pdf
http://eplan.dot.il.gov/desenv/042712/76C45-113/PLANS/042712-76C45-113-145-118-11x17.pdf

[agentsteel53]

does this mean that we might get to see an Illinois I-44 shield in our lifetime?  maybe?

[kharvey10]

technically one of them is on the IL side of the PSB westbound, but its a MoDOT sign.  MoDOT is on the hook for the PSB and they will be on the hook for the new one as well.

[agentsteel53]

technically one of them is on the IL side of the PSB westbound, but its a MoDOT sign.  MoDOT is on the hook for the PSB and they will be on the hook for the new one as well.

does it say Missouri I-44 on it?

[kharvey10]

its on a BGS, but it was done by MoDOT  as IDiOT doesn't make BGS like MoDOT did back in the days.  IDiOT now makes their new BGS with crapview, MoDOT doesn't.

[Revive 755]

Illinois officials have apparently been fighting to keep the I-70 ramps at the west end of the PSB - which were supposed to be removed as part of the new bridge project:

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/ramp-proposal-reopens-fight-between-missouri-illinois/article_66ee1104-572e-569f-80c2-29141b329c2c.html?mode=story

At least this shows there would be opposition to boulevarding current I-70/future I-44 from the Illinois side.

[Revive 755]

I drove the NB I-55/WB I-70 route through downtown St. Louis recently, and several signs on I-55 have been replaced with ones intended for use after the new bridge opens and I-70 is rerouted.  The signs have metal plates covering the I-44 shields for the extension/multiplex with I-55 and beyond.  Unfortunately I wasn't expecting the new signs and didn't have a camera handy.

[Revive 755]

Presentations to the St. Louis area MPO regarding the PSB ramps:

IDOT:
http://www.ewgateway.org/pdffiles/boardpackets/2012/Pres-SpecialMtg-May2012-PSB1.pdf

* Design includes a new, 25mph EB I-70 PSB ramp to exit from the left side of the highway (with slight shifts for the current I-55 to I-70 mainlines) and entering to the right of the new I-55 NB ramp.

MoDOT:
http://www.ewgateway.org/pdffiles/boardpackets/2012/Pres-SpecialMtg-May2012-PSB2.pdf

* Slide 16/26 does not do a good job of justify why the alternatives do not work - I would really like to see why the Texas Turnaround at 7th Street doesn't work if the I-70 to IL 3 movements are such low volumes.

* Slide 21/26 forgets that there will not be a new EB I-70 to SB I-55/WB I-64 ramp and vice versa at the the Tri-Level (or at least as part of the of the initial build).

[kharvey10]

http://kharvey10.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/st-clair-county-demands-to-keep-i-70-ramp-is-weak/

And this meeting took place two days from the date of an infamous I-70 PSB approach accident that shut down the Highway 40 approach for weeks way back in 1998.

[NYYPhil777]

I know this is an old thread, but to share in on this thread:
Here's a picture showing where I-44 currently is, and where it will be after I-70 gets re-routed onto the new bridge. On the left is the before, on the right is the after.

The I-44 is regular green, and the new I-70 alignment is "Mountain Dew" green.

There's a convincing amount of evidence on the MoDOT website that hints that the depressed section of current I-70 will be I-44.
And I saw your ideas for I-264- I would rather prefer a MO 264. MO 340 would be re-numbered as MO 264, and I would want it extended to I-44 from Manchester Road (MO 100). The routing east of I-170 would be truncated (or deleted).

[Alex]

I know this is an old thread, but to share in on this thread:
Here's a picture showing where I-44 currently is, and where it will be after I-70 gets re-routed onto the new bridge. On the left is the before, on the right is the after.

The I-44 is regular green, and the new I-70 alignment is "Mountain Dew" green.

There's a convincing amount of evidence on the MoDOT website that hints that the depressed section of current I-70 will be I-44.
And I saw your ideas for I-264- I would rather prefer a MO 264. MO 340 would be re-numbered as MO 264, and I would want it extended to I-44 from Manchester Road (MO 100). The routing east of I-170 would be truncated (or deleted).

They already have signs in place that will show I-44 with its inane northward extension covered up my metal plates.

[kphoger]

covered up my metal plates.

           

[agentsteel53]

I thought I-44 ended at I-55, and there was no multiplex of it to the state line.  your diagram (red line) shows it as going all the way to the state line.

[Alex]

I thought I-44 ended at I-55, and there was no multiplex of it to the state line.  your diagram (red line) shows it as going all the way to the state line.

Officially, it travels with I-55 north to the Poplar Street Bridge and across it to the state line.

http://www.cosmos-monitor.com/cgi-bin/mo-log-routes.cgi?number=44

[agentsteel53]

Officially, it travels with I-55 north to the Poplar Street Bridge and across it to the state line.

http://www.cosmos-monitor.com/cgi-bin/mo-log-routes.cgi?number=44

I never knew that.  I'll bet it's not signed.

also, there's not any chance of an ILLINOIS I-44 shield any time soon, is there?