ILLINOIS, USA — Here's the latest on a big unexpected closure in the Metro East. A major exit ramp connecting Interstates 70 and 64 in the Metro East is closed due to structural damage.
The Illinois Department of Transportation closed the exit ramp this summer after a driver reported what appeared to be a bad joint on the overpass bridge.
IDOT took a closer look, and it was definitely a safety hazard. The closure has had a major impact on commuters traveling eastbound across the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we've closed that ramp and begun the process of getting the needed materials manufactured," said engineer Joe Monroe with IDOT. "And we will, once the design and fabrication is sufficiently far enough along, we will enter into a second emergency contract, and we'll install four new joints."
Maybe you are thinking this sounds a bit abnormal, you are correct.
"It's a path that we've never taken before. I've been here over 30 years. To my knowledge, it's never been done in the state," Monroe said.
"We're doing everything we can to get it reopened and restore the service to the motoring public," Monroe said. "We understand the inconvenience, but we're trying to make, maintain our high standard for safety for the motoring public as well."
When will this ramp to I-64 reopen?
"Ideally we would like to say spring of '25. But, until we see the first joint on the ground and actually get into the replacement process, that's with the information that I have today."
To get around this drivers can try the Martin Luther King, McKinley, Eads or Poplar Street Bridges. And remember, the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 and the bridge heading toward Missouri remain open.