Table of Contents
Community Gateway Plan Olive/I-270 Interchange Enhancement
The Olive/I-270 Interchange serves as the Gateway to the Creve Coeur, including access to the community�s Town Center.
Cover Photo: Existing Photo of I-270 which carries 200,000 vehicles per day. Below: Existing interchange exit ramps with standard MoDOT treatment.
Much of the limited green or landscape areas of the existing interchange will be lost with the construction of the large single point urban interchange.
The single point urban interchange as initially proposed by MoDOT would have left two large paved and untreated spaces on the bridge deck. This photograph was taken of a nearly identical interchange deck already completed. Note the lack of a pedestrian scale relating to the six-foot tall man standing in the space.
With a lack of pedestrian facilities, an employee sits on a manhole lid while waiting for a bus.
While office developments along the corridor are within walking distance of commercial buildings, such as retail and restaurants, lack of pedestrian facilities forces employees into their cars.
Lack of pedestrian facilities is particularly apparent in this bus stop without sidewalk access.
Adjacent structures overlook this interchange.
Photo of median treatment previously completed by consultant for Ballas Road, which intersects with the east end of the Olive Boulevard corridor. Success on smaller, earlier projects helped gain community support.
Alternative design concepts were developed, reviewed in community workshop sessions and then refined into the final plan.
Illustrative Site Plan showing the extent of $3.2 million Phase 1 Gateway Improvements which received TEA-21 enhancement funding.
The community preferred a bold planting scheme having strong design lines created with major overstory tree plantings and large ornamental grass bands through the interchange.
The two large paved and untreated spaces on the bridge deck were scaled down with large planters, and concrete pavement and landscape plantings were scored and treated.
Architectural precast planters will include entry identification graphics as well as shrubs, perennials and small ornamental trees.
Various design themes were presented to the community workshop. This scheme generated the interest of the citizens and Council and was selected by the community.
Architectural precast members were selected for the treatment of the standard MoDOT bridge. Precast urns and ornamental fencing and lighting will further strengthen the design character of the bridge.
Quick sections were prepared for the community workshops to provide at least some initial review of the size and scale of site components, such as the Gateway pedestals along the ramps.
Cross sections of existing and proposed Olive Boulevard illustrating improvements to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle circulation, develop a sense of pedestrian scale and improve the visual image of the corridor.
This cross section illustrates treatment of the corridor in areas with limited right-of-way width and/or sections with turn lanes and narrow median opportunities.
Narrow median areas will be treated with pavers or color scored concrete and architectural precast concrete planters.
Bus shelters are proposed at major employment and park/ride locations and include provisions for pedestrian access.
Alternative bus shelters were reviewed to identify structures that would reinforce the design theme intent.
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Author: Brian Perkins
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