Winter Cleanup and Major I-55 Construction Impact St. Louis Commute

Ongoing Snow Removal and Road Conditions

Commuters in the St. Louis region should continue to exercise caution this morning, Thursday, January 29, 2026. Following a significant winter storm earlier this week, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is still actively clearing snow from highway ramps and shoulders. While primary and secondary routes have been largely restored to near-normal conditions, drivers are warned of potential slick spots in shaded areas and on bridge decks. Maintenance crews are currently operating in work zones across the district to push back snow and ice, so please allow extra room for equipment to operate safely.

Major Construction and Lane Closures on I-55

The multi-year I-55 bridge and pavement rehabilitation project remains the most significant disruption for city commuters. Significant lane closures and ramp restrictions are in effect through early 2026:

• Southbound I-55: One lane is closed from I-44 to just north of Bates, with two lanes closed from north of Bates to north of Weber.
• Northbound I-55: One lane is closed from north of Reavis Barracks to north of Bayless, and two lanes are closed from north of Bayless to Virginia.
• Ramp Closures: Several critical ramps are closed, including the Virginia on-ramp to southbound I-55, the ramp from southbound I-55 to Loughborough, and the southbound ramp to Germania.

Commuters are advised to utilize I-44 or Gravois Avenue as alternative routes to avoid the heavy congestion expected near the I-55 construction zones during peak hours.

St. Charles County: I-70 and I-64 Expansion

Expansion work continues in the Wentzville and Warrenton areas as part of the Improve I-70 program. Travelers should expect narrowed lanes and concrete barrier walls along I-70 between Wentzville Parkway and the St. Charles/Warren county line. Additionally, work on the I-64 expansion near Route K and the I-70 interchange is resulting in shifted traffic patterns. While most lanes remain open during non-peak hours, the reduced lane widths and active work zones require lower speeds and increased driver attention.

Public Transport and Evening Event Traffic

Metro Transit reports that MetroLink and MetroBus are operating on regular schedules, though minor delays may persist on routes still navigating narrow residential streets affected by snow piles. The University City-Big Bend MetroLink station is fully operational following its recent infrastructure upgrades.

Looking toward the evening commute, expect increased traffic in Downtown and Midtown due to several high-profile events:

• Enterprise Center: The St. Louis Blues host the Florida Panthers at 7:00 PM.
• Fabulous Fox Theatre: Performances of "Hell's Kitchen" begin at 7:30 PM.
• Midtown/The Pageant: Big Head Todd and The Monsters take the stage at 7:30 PM.

Commuters leaving the city should plan for heavier-than-usual volume near the I-64/Market Street corridors starting at 6:00 PM.