Dixielee: Will the Hwy 270 traffic get any worse because of this Phase II? Please let the holidays go by without closing anythign else down.

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: If anything, I would think north and south I-270 traffic around I-64 would only get better. All the drivers who currently use it to get to I-70 or I-44 eastbound will now be able to continue east on I-64 so that should help reduce some of the traffic load. As I already described, when we open the west half the east half has to be closed. That's the only way it can work.

Dan

goat314: I will like to know when MDOT will actually start fulfilling it's job as the Department of Transportation and not the Department of Highways and Urban Sprawl? MDOT is a joke and nothing more than a large special interest bureaucracy (far far worst than Metro). I guess the BIG OIL lobbyist have bought you guys out, because it seems like you guys have never heard of public transportation.

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: We are a Department of Transportation and we do have staff who work on rail, port, airport and public transit issues statewide. The state constitution limits our ability to fund these projects. Money for other modes of transportation comes out of the general revenue fund for the state and the distribution of these funds is done by the State Legislature and Governor. Highways and bridges in Missouri are funded through a 17 cent tax when you buy gasoline and part of the sales tax on buying cars and renewing licenses and plates. These funds, by state constitution, can only be spent on roads and bridges.

Linda Wilson

Gloves Off: While not directly related to the I-64 planned reconstruction, I was wondering if you had any information about the schedule of completion for the the section of Jefferson between Choteau & I-64. Also, are there plans to shut down Compton between Choteau & I-64?

Thanks - South City Blues Season Ticket Holder

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: The City of St. Louis is rebuilding the Jefferson viaduct just south of 40. It is supposed to reopen in December. I am not aware of any plans to close Compton soon.

Linda Wilson

adam_lamore: I live in Richmond Heights on one of the handful of streets that crosses Highway 40. Right now, I park my car on the street in front of my house. Will street parking be eliminated on these streets to maximize traffic flow once the highway shuts down?

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: These streets are Richmond Heights responsibility, so it will be the city's decision. I am not aware of any parking bans planned at this time.

Linda Wilson

Tom: When will the McCutcheon overpass be opened?

Dan Galvin and Linda Wilson: We don't have an exact date yet. We are coordinating our bridge work with the city of Richmond Heights street work on McCutcheon between I-64 and Clayton road. Both need to reopen together and should happen in early December.

Linda Wilson