O'Fallon council approves one-way 'early open' option to ease traffic at Weldon Springs/Technology Drive

O'Fallon — City staff presented and the O'Fallon City Council voted June 4 to authorize an alternative traffic-relief measure for the Technology Drive and Weldon Springs area, approving a one-way “early open” of part of the roundabout alignment rather than installing a temporary traffic signal.

Chris Clerks, the city's capital improvement manager, said the council's May 22 resolution authorized staff to pursue a warranted traffic signal and to spend up to about $100,000 on that remedy, but staff now proposes redirecting resources toward building a one-way section of pavement through the roundabout construction limits so residents can reach Highway K sooner. Clerks said the best estimate for installing a temporary signal was roughly $81,000, with design costs of about $25,000, while the one-way option requires a one-time contractor payment (discussed in the meeting) and an incentive clause to encourage a July 4 opening.

Why it matters: MoDOT will be taking down and rebuilding the Technology Drive bridge as part of a separate Darden connector project, which will change traffic patterns in July–September and increase loads on nearby intersections. Staff argued the one-way early-open approach is faster and more economical and would provide immediate relief to residents who otherwise must use longer detours.

Staff outlined the schedule and risks: preliminary design for the signal was estimated at four weeks from a notice to proceed, followed by a four-to-six-week MoDOT review; under that path the city might not see construction start until September. By contrast, the one-way early-open approach was presented as achievable by July 4 if the contractor meets agreed phasing and staffing; Clerks said the contractor agreed to a deduction of $500 per day from the one-time payment for each day the opening is late beyond July 4.

Council members pressed staff on scope, jurisdiction and costs. Councilmember Boyer asked what the one-time payment covered; Clerks said it pays for additional phasing, traffic control, signing and work under traffic rather than a full closure. Amanda asked whether MoDOT required a signal; Clerks replied MoDOT did not require the city to install a signal but that the signal would have to be warranted and that MoDOT would review any design. Mayor Hennessy and staff clarified that the temporary signal location sits in MoDOT right-of-way and that the proposed one-way construction to accelerate access lies within O'Fallon project limits. Several members expressed concern about O'Fallon bearing costs that benefit adjacent jurisdictions; Mayor Hennessy said staff will consult Darden Prairie about cost sharing.

Next steps and authority: Staff asked the council to find that the one-way alternative 'substantially satisfies' the purposes of the May 22 resolution and to authorize staff to proceed. Mr. Snowden told the council that staff could not implement a change from the prior resolution without council approval. Because the total project exceeds $600,000, Mr. Snowden said signature authority for the change order would fall within the administrator's purview, meaning the change order could be executed without returning a formal contract approval to the full council once the administrator signs it in accordance with procurement rules.

The motion to authorize staff to proceed with the one-way early-open alternative was moved by Councilmember Boyer, seconded by Councilmember Bibb, and adopted by voice vote. The council closed the meeting with no further business and adjourned.

All direct quotes in this article are taken from the meeting transcript.