MoDOT Offers Alternative Routes Around Blanchette Bridge Closure | News

ST. CHARLES, MO (KTVI)– This fall drivers may want to find a new way to cross the Missouri River, as the west bound part of the Interstate 70 Blanchette Bridge is closed down.

The city of St. Charles and MoDOT offered up ideas to drivers and businesses on ways to navigate around the project.

The 54-year-old westbound Blanchette Bridge is in need of rehab construction to ensure it lasts another 50 years. But to do so, the bridge will close all westbound lanes beginning in November and divert traffic on to the eastbound bridge.

MoDOT revealed the plans at a public information meeting Thursday night in St. Charles.

What is normally five lanes of traffic each way will be reduced to three lanes when the westbound bridge closes and the eastbound bridge is divided into two-way traffic. That lane closure is scheduled to last up to 12 months.

This meeting offered suggestions for alternative routes like the Page extension and Interstate 370. MoDOT also recommended using the St. Charles public transit system or forming carpools.

Since traffic will still flow both directions, and the only exit closing is the eastbound entrance at 5th Street, MoDOT officials believe this project will not have a huge effect on the area’s economy.

There is another informational meeting Friday starting at 9:00am at the St. Charles Convention Center, where MoDOT and the city expect more business owners to attend.

MORE: MoDOT Warning Drivers About Blanchette Closure