Official Roundup: Spring Infrastructure Projects and Public Health Advisories

Health Advisory: Influenza Vigilance

The St. Louis Department of Health has issued a formal advisory regarding a sustained increase in influenza-like illnesses throughout the metropolitan area. Hospital emergency department visits have remained above seasonal averages for several consecutive weeks. Health officials urge all residents to maintain frequent handwashing, cover coughs, and remain at home if they develop a fever or other flu-like symptoms. This vigilance is critical to curbing the spread of infection as the region moves through the latter half of the flu season.

Public Service: Refuse and Yard Waste Collection

The City of St. Louis Refuse Division reminds residents that curbside yard waste collection remains on its seasonal hiatus. Regularly scheduled roll cart collection for yard waste is slated to resume on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Residents are encouraged to follow these service guidelines:

• Continue placing trash and recycling roll carts at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on designated collection days.
• Utilize regional drop-off sites for household hazardous waste, such as batteries and chemicals.
• Report any missed collections or illegal dumping to the Citizens' Service Bureau.

Infrastructure and Traffic Alerts

Major infrastructure projects continue to impact local traffic patterns. Motorists should be aware of the following ongoing and short-term closures:

• Interstate 55: One southbound lane remains closed from I-44 to north of Bates, with two southbound lanes closed from north of Bates to north of Weber through early 2026. The Virginia on-ramp to southbound I-55 is also currently closed.
• Interstate 270: Bridge replacement work at Conway Road is causing narrowed and shifted lanes. Drivers should expect overnight lane closures near the I-64 interchange as crews proceed with bridge deck improvements.
• Route 100 (Chouteau Avenue): Safety improvements and protected bike lane installations between 39th Street and Broadway are ongoing, with intermittent lane shifts expected.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The following official meetings are scheduled for the coming week. Residents are invited to attend in person at City Hall or via designated digital platforms:

• Poet Laureate Task Force: Monday, March 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
• Board of Public Service: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1:45 p.m.
• Housing, Urban Development and Zoning (HUDZ) Committee: Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
• Public Safety Committee: Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Safety Awareness: Seasonal Weather Preparation

Following the conclusion of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the St. Louis Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) reminds citizens to remain prepared for spring storm activity. Officials recommend that all households review their emergency kits and ensure they have multiple ways to receive life-saving weather alerts, including NOAA weather radios and mobile notification systems.