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Construction is now underway to make improvements to Chouteau Trafficway from I-35 to Highway 210.
For years, Chouteau’s two-lane stretch has created traffic congestion and headaches for area residents and commuters.
Soon, congestion, safety and its appearance will be improved through the Chouteau Parkway project.
“This expansion is really taking the trafficway up to the city’s parkway standard,” said Sean Demory of the city’s Capital Projects Department. “It’s been in the works for more than 20 years for Chouteau Trafficway to become part of what’s termed the city’s Millennium Parkway Network. This is an opportunity to reach our standard of a full parkway.”
To widen the stretch of road between I-35 to Highway 210, the city purchased 31 properties for demolition. The $33 million project will not only widen the road, but will also 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, lighting, rain gardens and other landscaping. Larger, reinforced box culverts will be installed to accommodate more rainfall.
Residents are advised that the intersection of Chouteau and Parvin will be closed from June 1 to no later than Aug. 15 for the installation of utility pipes. Construction is expected to be completed by the spring of 2014.
“At the end of the day, we will be creating a gateway road,” Demory said. “Chouteau has been the gateway for the Northland for quite some time, but it has not had the capacity that was needed.
“It’s been an underimproved road; it’s very utilitarian. Now, it will be more than that. It will address traffic flow and it will be an amenity to the residents and the residents that drive through.”
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