By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – The western half of the Interstate 64 construction zone will reopen to traffic two weeks early.
MODOT said Friday the project is ahead of schedule and on budget, and the freeway will be open to drivers between Interstates 170 and 270 on the morning of December 15.
The eastern part of the construction zone from 170 to Kingshighway will close at the same time.
Project Director Lesley Hoffarth said the St. Louis city portion has more bridges to rebuild and additional hazards underground. But she said construction crews are ready for the challenge.
"We've done our best to identify utilities, hazardous materials, and mines," Hoffarth said. "We know we have mines around the Hampton interchange. Gateway [Constructors] has taken borings so we know where they are, so we don't put our foundations there for the new bridge.
On Sunday, December 14, MODOT is inviting pedestrians and cyclists to play on the freeway before it opens to traffic. There'll be a 5K run, carriage and bike rides, and other activities before the ribbon cutting that afternoon.
More information is available at the I-64 construction website.