St. Louis Zoo Attendance Up Despite Highway Closure

Businesses and people that live nearby the reconstructed Highway 40 can't wait for it to reopen. One gas station owner says sales dropped 25 percent during the closure. Folks who live in Dogtown complained that when the road closed drivers began taking shortcuts down their quiet streets causing congestion and chaos

But it is a different story at the St. Louis Zoo. Attendance at the Forest Park landmark did not drop. It remained steady the first year of the highway closure and jumped 4 percent in 2009. Zoo officials credit the rough economy with causing families to take advantage of the Zoo's free admission. Also, pleasant weather this past summer helped.

The Missouri Department of Transportation and Gateway Constructors says the festivities will take place on Sunday, December 6 from noon to 4:00 p.m. The official ribbon cutting will be at 3:00 p.m. The road will open to traffic Monday, December 7. If you plan on attending the celebration, dress for the weather and keep in mind the following tips:

1. The Fun on the Freeway event is open from Noon to 4 p.m. Access is available at every interchange ramp from Hanley Rd to Kingshighway Blvd. Please do not climb fences or barriers to access the highway. No access at I-170.


2. Please bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the regional food drive "64 Ways to Beat Hunger in St. Louis". No glass containers, please. Volunteers will be located at every highway access ramp to accept your donations including cash donations.

3. WESTBOUND lanes will be for pedestrians ONLY. Parents walking with small children on tricycles and bicycles should also be on the WESTBOUND lanes.

4. EASTBOUND lanes will be for bicyclists ONLY. (No motorized vehicles will be allowed.)

5. If you are bringing your bikes to the highway, do not stop in a traffic lane to unload your bikes. Please find a safe location to unload your bikes.

6. There will be no food or beverages available on the highway. You cannot bring coolers, alcohol or any kind or glass containers onto the highway.

7. Portable restrooms will be available on both sides of the highway. They are located near the First Aid stations at Hanley, Bellevue, McCausland, Tamm, Hampton (westbound only) and Kingshighway.

8. We don't recommend bringing pets to the ceremony, but if you do bring a pet onto the highway be sure to bring supplies for cleaning up after your pet.

9. Public parking is available at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, with free Metrobus shuttles running from the college to the corner of Hampton and Oakland. The shuttles will run from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. To access the college parking lots, take Manchester Road to Macklind Avenue. Oakland Avenue, in front of the college, is expected to be very congested.

10. Parking is also available in Forest Park. You may park in any regular parking space in the Park. Be sure to look for signs that warn where parking is not allowed. Do not park on private property. Your vehicle may be towed.

The interstate will open to traffic before 5 a.m. on Monday, December 7. For more information on the ceremony events, please visit www.thenewi64.org .