New Lanes Open Soon on I-55 in Festus

Festus, Mo. (KFMO) - Motorists on southbound I-55 will soon see a significant traffic change as two newly constructed lanes open in January. These lanes, located where the median previously existed, span a 3-mile segment from the Quarry Road bridge north of Festus to Hwy. 67 south of Festus. The new lanes are separated by a concrete barrier, and drivers exiting at Festus will need to stay in the right-most lane at the beginning of the stretch to avoid missing their exit.

This shift allows construction crews to repave the current lanes and replace three bridges in the area. Drivers should note that lane changes won’t be possible due to the concrete barrier separating the lanes.

The project is part of an ongoing $246 million effort to widen and improve an 8-mile section of I-55 from Pevely to south of Festus. Crews began work in February and are replacing 16 bridges, rehabilitating six others, and replacing the superstructures on four more. The construction is expected to take three years, with two more years of work remaining.

At the I-55/Hwy. 67 interchange, progress continues with the southeast roundabout for northbound traffic expected to open by month’s end. However, the northwest loop allowing southbound Hwy. 67 drivers to merge onto southbound I-55 will close for up to six months for bridge work. A detour will route traffic onto southbound Hwy. 61, merging back onto I-55 at exit 170 south of Festus.

Drivers can expect additional developments near Hwy. Z in Pevely by early 2025, pending final approvals for bridge work over railroad tracks. The project remains on track despite its complexity, with supply chain processes expected to improve during the second year.