Drivers juggle new "jug handle" at Hanley Road

By Kasey Joyce

KSDK -- After three months, drivers can use the new Hanley Road and Eager Road connection in the Brentwood area.

There was a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate the opening of the connection. It opened to drivers around noon.

The new route eliminates the need for traffic signal and drivers will be able to make right turns and use the new connector loop that will take them under Hanley and onto Eager Road. Drivers were still getting used to the new intersection this afternoon, partially because of its unique design. The Missouri Department of Transportation calls it a "jug handle."

Instead of making a left turn from Hanley and holding up traffic, northbound traffic will now make a right turn and head under Hanley and that road will turn into Eager Road.

"That's the key to this thing: relieve congestion, save money and do it in as short of a span of time as possible," said St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley.

The project was a combined effort between MoDOT, county leaders and the surrounding municipalities. In total, construction took nine months and cost $6 million.

"This is such a huge step in what will be such an improved highway and a roadway here for traffic," said MoDOT spokesperson Linda Wilson.

It wasn't originally scheduled to be part of the I-64 reconstruction project, but MoDOT and St. Louis County officials decided it would cost less and take a lot less time if they could lump the two projects together.

Motorists, local businesses and civic leaders hope the project will make a big difference for everyone.

"There are so many great shops here, it's really convenient for me to come here to go grocery shopping or go to Target," said shopper Dana Purkey. "I think it will be a lot easier now to get in and out."

Rain didn't delay the opening of this leg of the project, but a MoDOT spokesperson said it's presenting some challenges in other areas of the I-64 project. But as of right now, they're stilll hoping to reopen the highway ahead of schedule.

Click here to see a large map of the new interchange.