Lane Closures on I-44 and I-55 Expected to Impact Friday Commute; Wintry Weather Forecasted

Morning Commute Overview

Commuters in the St. Louis metropolitan area should prepare for significant delays this Friday, January 23, 2026, due to several planned maintenance projects and ongoing highway reconstruction. While the morning rush is expected to start relatively clear, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has scheduled lane closures on major arteries that will impact travel throughout the day. Additionally, a weather advisory is in effect as crews prepare for potential wintry precipitation arriving late Friday night.

Major Highway Alerts

Several high-traffic corridors are facing restrictions today. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes where possible, particularly during the mid-day and afternoon periods.

• Interstate 44 (St. Louis City): Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., two eastbound lanes will be closed from Hampton Avenue to Grand Boulevard for pavement repairs. Expect heavy congestion approaching the city core.
• Interstate 55 (Ongoing Reconstruction): Significant work continues on the I-55 corridor. One southbound lane is closed from I-44 to north of Bates, with two lanes closed further south toward Weber. Northbound travelers will encounter one lane closed from Reavis Barracks to Bayless and two lanes closed from Bayless to Virginia Avenue.
• I-55 Ramp Closures: Multiple ramps remain closed through early 2026, including the Virginia on-ramp to southbound I-55, the southbound exit to Loughborough, and the Germania ramps to and from the interstate.

St. Louis County and St. Charles Updates

Regional routes are also seeing active work zones today:

• Route 21 (Gravois Road): One lane will be closed in both directions between Green Park and Gravois, and from Walden Ridge to Baptist Church, between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Route 30 (Gravois Road/High Ridge): Lane closures are scheduled between Route 141 and Seibert Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• I-64/I-70 (St. Charles County): Overnight travelers should watch for single-lane closures on I-64 between I-70 and Route 364 starting at 8 p.m. Similar overnight closures are planned on I-70 between Wentzville Parkway and Route A.

Public Transit and Weather Precautions

Metro Transit reports that MetroLink and MetroBus are currently operating on regular schedules; however, passengers are urged to dress for frigid temperatures at platforms and stops. While the Friday daytime commute is expected to remain dry, MoDOT crews are on standby for a winter storm system expected to hit the region tonight. Motorists should complete their Friday travel early if possible, as road conditions may deteriorate after sunset when plow teams begin operations.