It’s been nearly a year since work on “The New I-64″ (more commonly known here as Highway 40) began with the shutdown of all driving lanes between I-270 and I-170/Brentwood Boulevard.

Now, the western portion of the highway is open and the section between I-170 and Kingshighway is closed.  That will most likely cause more headaches for St. Louis drivers and residents – and probably is.

I’ve recently driven the new 5-mile section of roadway going west from I-170 to I-270, and had the feeling that I was in another city. Four lanes in each direction and five lanes in places, but was struck by the sterilized feeling of the highway – clean, modern – like driving with tunnel vision!

Only time will tell how the completed project will improve traffic for the region, and that won’t happen until next December.

Others I’ve talked with have the same impression – clean, sterile and almost like you’re in a different city.

If you’ve driven the new roadway in either direction, what’s your impression?