Travelers in Valley Park encountered a roadblock yesterday as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) shut down Route 141 due to the rising waters of the Meramec River. The closure, spanning a significant stretch under Interstate 44, has disrupted commutes and raised concerns about additional traffic congestion with the water not expected to recede below hazardous levels until Saturday. As reported by
FOX 2 Now
, the flooding has already become a familiar sight to locals, with Fenton resident Michael Arens noting, “This is the third time that I’ve actually been here that I’ve seen water close off this road.”
The affected area experienced significant traffic jams during yesterday’s peak hours. Lasting impacts are expected, especially with this morning’s rush looming over the situation. Some citizens, like I-44 commuter Brien Grim, expressed frustration, telling
FOX 2 Now
, “It’s really put a damper on my day.” Meanwhile, the persistence of local businesses like P’sghetti’s, which remains open despite the flooding, offering a semblance of normalcy in the midst of chaos.
Across the river in Illinois, similar scenes unfolded as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) had to close U.S. Route 50 between O’Fallon and Lebanon, IDOT Engineer Joe Monroe discussed the challenges of clearing the roads post-flooding with
5 On Your Side
, saying, “We want to make sure it’s closed and buttoned up because we want to make sure we’re taking a look at it as we’re cleaning it up and make sure it’s safe.” IDOT anticipates reopening US 50 sometime this morning. MoDOT predicts Route 141 under I-44 will remain closed through the weekend.
Alternative routes have been suggested, with northbound Hwy. 141 travelers advised to use I-64 or Hwy. 100, and southbound travelers to opt for I-55, Hwy. 21, or Hwy. 30, as per MoDOT’s guidance. These detours were reported by
The Leader
, which also noted additional road closures throughout Jefferson, St. Louis, and Franklin counties due to the flooding.
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