By Matt Sepic/Maria Hickey, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – The overhaul of Highway 40 will involve complete closure of part of the road, but not until 2008.
The Missouri Transportation Commission Friday formally selected a contracting group to overhaul Highway 40 through St. Louis city and county.
A team of several firms called Gateway Constructors had the winning proposal.
They'll begin work in the spring. Early on, lanes will be closed only during off-peak times. But in 2008, workers will shut down Highway 40 from Spoede to Interstate 170.
Gateway will design the new road as they build it. MODOT director Pete Rahn says that approach will take years off the project.
In 2009, MODOT will shut down the eastern half of the work area.
Gateway will receive a $5 million bonus if it completes the job on time and on budget. If it doesn't, the group will be fined $24,300 a day.
Work is scheduled to be done by October 2010.