July 2, 2015
Contact: Colene McEntee, Public Affairs Coordinator, 636-949-1864, cmcentee@sccmo.org
St. Charles County, Missouri – Connected 2045, the long-term transportation plan for the region, was passed unanimously at June’s East-West Gateway Council of Governments Board Meeting. County Executive Steve Ehlmann serves on the board and voted at the meeting.
“While transportation funding is tight, planning is important to prepare and act when it is available,” said Ehlmann. “With the continued growth of St. Charles County, we need to lay the groundwork for the future.”
East-West Gateway is responsible for developing the region's long-term transportation plan, which includes priorities for transportation and “serves as the framework for regional transportation decision-making and investments.” The plan is updated every four years and “must balance technical needs, budgetary constraints and public desires.” The projects in Connected 2045 will be included in annual state and regional transportation improvement plans (TIPs) as projects are prioritized and funding allocated.
Projects in St. Charles County in Connected 2045 that are classified as priorities (affordable within the region’s anticipated resources for the next 30 years), include:
• 2016-2025:
o I-70 from Route 94 to Highway 370: Rehabilitate pavement, improve interchanges and add lanes. Estimated cost: $30 million.
o David Hoekel Parkway Phases 1 and 2 – Construct new road from Peine Road to Route P and Interstate Drive to Meyer Road. Estimated cost: $54 million.
• 2026-2035:
o I-70 from Route 94 to Highway 370: Further rehabilitation of pavement and addition of lanes. Estimated cost: $100 million.
o I-64 from Route K to I-70: Add a lane in each direction out to I-70. Estimated cost: $54 million.
Recommended Corridor Studies include:
• I-70 Corridor Study from I-64/Broadway through St. Charles County
• Route N Corridor Study from I-64 to Jackson Road
• Route 79 Corridor Study
• Route 94 Corridor Study
Additional projects included in the plan that the region would like to pursue if funding becomes available include:
• I-70 from I-64 to RouteT/W: Add capacity and improve interchanges
• U.S. 61 from I-64 to Lincoln County: Eliminate at-grade crossing, construct new interchanges and connect outer roads
For the full list of projects in St. Charles County and the region and for more information about Connected 2045, visit http://www.ewgateway.org/trans/longrgplan/longrgplan.htm.
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