ST. LOUIS – During an open-house-style public meeting Monday, MoDOT and City of St. Louis officials shared information and received feedback about bridge replacement work, including the Weber and Loughborough I-55 overpasses.

“Both of those have bridges that are old and need to be replaced,” said Jen Wade, area engineer for MoDOT in the City of St. Louis. “In order to keep up with good maintenance, we’re taking the opportunity to do some upgrades at that time.”

MoDOT shared details of the project and continues to provide an opportunity for the public to share their feedback. 

St. Louis resident Charles Calello attended Monday’s meeting and was pleased with some of the possibilities surrounding changes at the Loughborough overpass.

“They’re adding more walkability and more accessible options for bikers, which none of that exists presently in any kind of safe way on that bridge,” he said.

Wade said the I-55 exit at Loughborough has seen a higher crash rate compared to other areas.  The exit sends drivers to a neighborhood street.

“Far too many people come flying off the interstate and wind up in somebody’s front yard,” said John Nowotny, a St. Louis resident. 

One of the possible solutions is what MoDOT describes as a large roundabout on a new bridge that spans both sides of the interstate.

“I don’t like roundabouts,” said Nowotny. 

The Weber bridge replacement is not expected to bring with it dramatic changes.

“We will make some minor adjustments just to make sure it’s up to current standards, “Wade said.  “It will be a little bit higher than it currently is to make sure super loads can get through.”

Bridge replacement work over I-55 near River Des Peres ran into a delay due to a contractor error last year.  

Wade said that project is back on track and the new bridge is scheduled to reopen in a few weeks.