By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
August 22, 2012 

The Chouteau Trafficway and Parvin intersection is now open to traffic after being closed for construction since June.

“We have been able to take advantage of a top notch construction company and exceptional weather to move forward and remain on schedule,” said Sean Demory of the city’s Capital Projects Department. “We are moving forward well, and we are going to do everything possible to complete this project safely, efficiently and on schedule.”

Called the Chouteau Parkway project, the goal is to improve traffic congestion, safety and beautify the area. To improve congestion, city-hired Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co., Inc., will widen the stretch of road between I-35 to Highway 210, creating a four-lane road. Other improvements will include a sidewalk on the east side of the road and a concrete bicycle and pedestrian trail on the west side of the road that spans the full length of the project. In addition, there will be a landscaped median, additional lighting and rain gardens. Larger, reinforced box culverts have already been installed to accommodate more rainfall. Construction is expected to be completed by the spring of 2014.

Although, the intersection is now open, residents should expect additional traffic delays.

“This will be an active construction site, so you may see lane restrictions, you may see equipment being moved which will slow traffic at times,” Demory said. “We will make every effort to minimize any traffic disruption; we understand the importance of this road to the people of this area and we’re trying to be good neighbors as much as possible.”

The next phase of the project includes constructing southbound lanes from Parvin to Cleveland and reconstructing traffic islands. Asked how long this phase will last, Demory said he didn’t have a timeline. For approximately four weeks, a section near Festival Foods and Target shopping center will be closed. Radmachers will most likely install a temporary access point to the shopping center and detour signs will direct drivers where to enter. Demory said the city has been meeting with the tenants and the management of the shopping center and taking their feedback into consideration.

For residents on Cleveland and in the Devillin Apartments complex, notifications regarding detour routes will be mailed prior to any road closures.