Led by Missouri Department of Transportation, the I-270 North Project in northern St. Louis County upgraded the final segment of a 1960s-era highway, addressing poor infrastructure and outdated designs. The area, lacking pedestrian and transit options, saw improvements including a dedicated counter-flow bus lane connecting the Metro Transit Center and local community college. The $278 million project revamped the corridor with new noise walls, native trees, and minimal property acquisitions. The upgrades were achieved with minimal disruption – only five full property acquisitions and fewer than 30 temporary construction easements were required. The revitalized interstate now features an additional lane in each direction, nine reconstructed interchanges, 12 replaced bridges, and seven new bridges. The outer roads were rebuilt, eliminating the cross-over slip ramps and enhancing pedestrian safety with 10 miles of new multi-use paths on both sides of I-270. Five-foot-wide sidewalks with pedestrian lighting were added at key interchanges, while bus stops were moved off the shoulder to improve both traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The project also introduced the region’s first dedicated counter-flow bus lane, reducing transit travel time and supporting a more connected community.
America's Transportation Awards 