MoDOT Offers Viable Alternatives to Removing Connections for Misguided I-70 “Lid”

The Missouri Department of Transportation has gone live with their virtual meeting proposing alternatives to the "lid" over I-70 at the Gateway Mall in downtown St. Louis. MoDOT hosted a public open house announced with 12 days notice April 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall. The convoluted and unaccountable nature of the design process continues to be an enormous problem with proposed changes at the Arch. This is highlighted by MoDOT's stated goals: 1) Support the CAR 2015 objectives while maintaining regional traffic flow, 2) Complete all construction by October 2015 and within budget, 3) Maintain traffic flow levels in and around the downtown area.

Unfortunately, MoDOT doubles as a planning agency in our city as not a single political leader has weighed in on a process that could fundamentally change the front door of our city for half a Century, other than to pledge support for an unaccountable and uncommunicative private planning organization. So it's somewhat surprising that MoDOT is offering two alternatives that would maintain existing connectivity and increase pedestrian access while meeting each of their stated goals. One impressive option suggests finally building an early design element; sweeping pedestrian bridges over Memorial Drive. It is also the least expensive option and best preserves the option of a future urban boulevard. A second option would build a "lid" but perhaps maintain Memorial Drive by routing it under the new greenspace.