Bob G.: After driving on 270 recently, I thought of a question to ask. Will the new Highway 40 have electronic speed limit signs on it? I hope you're going to say no.

Also, how will the Hampton reconstruction go? I ask since that section of the freeway will be open during part of the reconstruction of that bridge and also because you're slightly relocating the freeway at Hampton (according to your preliminary designs).

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: No. MoDOT is testing variable speed limits on I-270 from the Chain of Rocks bridge to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge. The electronic speed limit signs are being installed now. In May, the variable speeds will begin and will change from 40 to 60 mph depending on conditions. Based on the success of this on I-270, MoDOT will then look at what other highways congestion could be improved with the variable speed limit. But, at this time, it is only I-270.

Linda Wilson

Nick: Greetings,

Would it have been possible to complete the construction in such a way that 40 would have re-opened step by step as the bridges were replaced?

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: As cross street bridges are complete, we are going to reopen them. For example, the McKnight bridge should be opening in June. You will be able to cross over I-64 on McKnight at that time. We will not be opening I-64 between Ballas and I-170 until it is all finished at the end of this year. We do not want to end at interstate at one of the smaller interchanges. The work will take the remainder of the year with the bridges being built first and then the paving work coming second. The last work is the striping of the new road and installation of signs. We are on track with our schedule.

Linda Wilson

Nancy Carter: There are appear to be cameras at the Ballas and Mo Bap/Viz intersection. Everyday when I pick-up there are cars from Mo Bap who block the intersection. This past week there were occasions when no one was able to turn into Viz on the arrow. Are these cameras used to improve traffic flow or give tickets.

I think this back-up may be due in part to the light at the bus terminal on the entrance to Hwy. 40 West. Many times this light is red and there is no traffic exiting the terminal. This problem also seems to escalate the back-up on Conway Road at Ballas.

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: The cameras on Ballas are video detection for signal control. They are not red-light cameras. If an intersection has red-light cameras, it is required to have signs that say red light camera enforced so drivers are informed.

The signal timing on Ballas from Conway to Clayton is under constant review by MoDOT engineers. The timing cannot be adjusted any further to improve traffic flow. Some of the intersections have some time in them on purpose to help Ballas traffic clear for the next direction to have some room to fill in. The major problem with the traffic is that too many people are trying to use it at the same time. The worst time is 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. The hospitals have a shift change at 3 p.m. and the school dismisses at the same time. We are strongly encouraging people to try to adjust their schedules to avoid these times. We also suggest that if you don't have business at the schools or the hospitals or live in the area, you should not be using Conway, Ballas or Clayton as the alternate route during rush times.

Linda Wilson

Brian: When the western half of Highway 40 reopens in January, will there be new flyover ramps that will take you directly from southbound 170 to westbound 40 and from eastbound 40 to northbound 170?

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: Yes. That is what we are constructing around I-170 and Brentwood Boulevard right now.

Dan

chris jones: Thank you for your time and service.

I really enjoy the photos of the project and these Sednesday chats. Can you post more photos? Also, how about a fly over video or something similar the length of the project.

Thanks

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: I'm glad you enjoy the photos and I update them as often as I can. I just posted another 20 last Friday. I'll see if I have anything else that's new. We do have a flyover video on the website right now but it's due for an update. We should have something new for that soon.

Dan