Why are the planned MO 370 & I-70 bike/ped crossings of the Missouri River the best options? | @StCharlesCity, @MoDOT_StLouis

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The purpose of this project is to investigate the feasibility of potential river crossing alternatives and determine the most suitable alignment to increase connectivity across the river near downtown St. Charles. The crossing alternatives, which are described below, represent logical crossing points that take advantage of existing resources and facilities.

The feasibility study, following extensive review and investigation, determined that the I-70 Eastbound Blanchette Crossing was the highest ranking alternative based on the evaluation criteria. The study also finds merit in pursuing a barrier-separated facility on MO 370 to improve connectivity in conjunction with the I-70 Eastbound Blanchette Crossing. The completion of these two connections will provide safe and improved access across the Missouri River that will increase access to jobs, recreation, and shopping. The total costs of these improvements, including engineering costs, are $16.6M for the I-70 Eastbound Blanchette Crossing and $3.1M for the MO 370 barrier-separated crossing. The project is proposed to be phased in order to complete these improvements as funding becomes available. Next steps in the process will be to secure funding to commence final design of the selected alternatives.

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Why are the planned MO 370 & I-70 bike/ped crossings of the Missouri River the best options? | @StCharlesCity, @MoDOT_StLouis

MoBikeFed comment: MoDOT, Great Rivers Greenway, and several adjoining communities are working together to build an improved, safer crossing for people who walk and bicycle on the MO370 bridge over the Missouri River near St. Charles.

The current bridge allows bicyclists to ride on the shoulder. This project will improve access at each end and will also provide barrier-protect lanes on both sides of the bridge.

Each side will allow bicyclists to ride in one direction and pedestrians to walk in either direction.

The project is fully funded and is now moving to detail design and construction.

More about the project here:

https://www.stcharlescitymo.gov/672/370-Pedestrian-Bridge