We are excited to announce that Phase 1 of the I-270 North Corridor project is included in the draft 2017-2021 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for approval. The STIP, prepared annually, sets forth the specific construction projects MoDOT will undertake in the next five years. It covers highways and bridges primarily, but also includes transit, aviation, rail, waterways, enhancements and other projects as well.
NCI has had steadfast involvement with advocating for and forwarding the I-270 North Environmental Assessment, we now encourage you to provide your comments about how this project will affect our region. The public comment period is now open and comments can be submitted online or by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov by the DEADLINE of June 10.
- NCI, with considerable support from our community partners, the cities of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Florissant, Hazelwood, Berkeley, Ferguson, along with many of our State elected official’s including NCI Board member Senator Gina Walsh and many others, for years have been diligently working with MoDOT and the Transportation Commission to forward the need to Study and improve the I-270 north corridor. First, let me say thank you so much to each of you who have worked so hard to make the above a reality. As board members your commitment of time and energy is very much appreciated.
- Since 2010, the community has been working with MoDOT to study the I-270 North Corridor in St. Louis County. The I-270 North Environmental Assessment, which began in 2013, is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.
- The long-range transportation plan for the St. Louis Region includes improvements along the I-270 North Corridor as a priority for the region. For the Connected 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan for the St. Louis Region, go to: http://www.ewgateway.org/trans/LongRgPlan/longrgplan.htm
- I-270 is one of the most travelled corridors in the St. Louis metropolitan region. Much of the I-270 North Corridor was built in the 1960s and is reaching the point were significant rehabilitation or reconstruction is needed. If nothing is done to upgrade the corridor, the current traffic, safety and infrastructure conditions will continue to worsen.
- Phase 1 of the I-270 North Corridor project will be the first step to implement transportation improvements that address the safety, mobility, accessibility and the aging infrastructure along the I-270 corridor.
- Allowing for innovative contracting methods, such as design-build, will allow the industry to identify the best solutions to accelerate the project’s delivery, reduced cost and improve quality.
- Lastly, upgrading traffic operations, safety and access will allow the North County community to leverage these transportation improvements to encourage economic revitalization.
For your information, below is the statewide press release that was sent out on May 11, 2016 in reference to the draft 2017-2021 STIP.
May 11, 2016
State Transportation Program Focuses on
Preservation of Existing System
JEFFERSON CITY – An improved funding situation has allowed the Missouri Department of Transportation to increase its ability to take of care of its existing transportation system. That’s reflected in the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or “STIP,” which was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission today.
Whereas the last two years, only a handful of new projects were added to the rolling five-year plan because of a potential severe drop in the MoDOT construction budget, changing economic conditions make this year’s STIP more robust. Increased state revenues, predictable federal funding as a result of Congress’ passage of the FAST Act in December 2015, and MoDOT’s ongoing efforts to seek federal reimbursement for preventive maintenance activities have resulted in more funding available for the STIP.
Consequently, 855 projects were added to the 2017-2021 STIP that has $3.97 billion available for construction awards, ranging from $700 million in 2017 to $860 million in 2020 and 2021. The overwhelming majority of projects – 88 percent – are designed to take care of MoDOT’s existing system.
“This year’s STIP allows us to make up a little bit of the ground that we lost the last two years,” MoDOT Transportation Planning Director Machelle Watkins told the Commission. “We’ll be able to deliver more safety projects, and we’ll be able to do a better job of maintaining our assets than previously expected. However, some areas of the state will still lose ground on the condition of their roads and bridges.”
“We have a long-term insufficient funding challenge if Missourians want more from their state’s transportation system,” she said. “And we don’t have the resources available to attack the state’s really big needs, like the reconstruction of Interstate 70.”
The draft 2017-2021 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2017 through 2021 (July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2021). The proposed program is available for public review beginning May 11. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can contact MoDOT by Email to STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service centers at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The program is also available on MoDOT’s website, www.modot.org, and at MoDOT district and regional offices around the state. The formal comment period ends June 10, 2016.
Following the public review period, the comments will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. The commission will review the comments and the final transportation program before considering it for approval at its July 7 meeting.
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Missouri Department of Transportation
St. Louis District – Communications
1590 Woodlake Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63017
314.453.1810
314.713.2717 (mobile)
www.modot.org
