Update for May 15, 2025

This petition has 336 supporters. In the previous (April 30, 2026) update, I discussed making a FIOA information request of MoDOT and “organizing a committee with at least one representative from each subdivision (or community) that would like a sound wall …”. 

MoDOT emailed me the FIOA information I asked for concerning I-270 construction from 2000 - 2011. MODOT is working on providing me with the sound study for Dawn Hill and other subdivisions between Olive Blvd and Dorsett Road. I have received a response about volunteers for the organization of a committee from homeowners of the Orchard Lakes Subdivision. My lack of ownership in any other community led me to limit my letter to MoDOT to an individualized perspective. I do not believe I can speak on behalf of any other community. I have continued (with the next step) of mailing a letter to the director of MoDOT; a summary of this letter is below.

Anyone interested in a sound wall covering their community bordering I-270 may use this petition. I suggest each property owner write a letter to the director of MoDOT. The goal of writing a letter to MoDOT is to provide a compelling reason for Director Hassinger to conduct a study for a sound wall instead of standing by any previous decision. I will support you in your campaign to advocate (by collaborating with you) for your community. Thank you for supporting this petition.

Summary of my letter mailed to the director of MoDOT:

Director Ed Hassinger

Director

Missouri Department of Transportation

105 W. Capitol Ave.

Jefferson City, MO 65102

Dear Director Hassinger, 

My name is Janet Austell. My primary home in the Orchard Lakes Subdivision (in St. Louis County, MO) is near the flyover ramp from I-270 north to Missouri Route 364 (Page Avenue) West 364-D. The highway sign Exit 16, West 364-D, is outside my backyard's west property boundary. I have lived in my home since 1984. 

I respectfully ask MoDOT to perform a sound study and build a sound wall for property owners and community members adjacent to I-270. I have never received a questionnaire about a sound wall near the Orchard Lakes Subdivision. A sound wall study was never performed for the Orchard Lakes Subdivision. I am unaware of an opportunity to vote and approve building a sound wall in my community. Using an iPhone application, I-270 noise levels in my backyard exceed 77 decibels. 

MoDOT completed, in 2011, a $22 million project to replace a loop ramp from Interstate 270 north to Missouri Route 364 (Page Avenue) west (Exit 16). The 2000 - 2011 project included a flyover to Page Avenue. This project also included additional I-270 lanes without sound walls. In 2021, MoDOT started a three-phase construction project to enhance three bridges on Route 364 in Maryland Heights to improve safety and extend the life of the bridges. This three-phase project includes construction on the Route 364 ramp from I-270 to the west of Bennington Place. This project’s scheduled completion date is in 2026. The 364 and Bennington Place ramp is about one mile from my home. No construction of sound walls has occurred between Olive Boulevard and Page Avenue as of 2025. 

Homeowners in the Orchard Lakes subdivision and I advocate for an I-270 sound wall. This sound wall will extend from Olive Boulevard to Page Avenue in Creve Coeur/Maryland Heights. I have created a petition (Urge MoDOT to Construct a Sound Wall Along Highway 270 for Noise Reduction) on Charge.org, which is attached to this letter. 

I will communicate the needs of the Orchard Lakes Subdivision in the area of I-270 between Olive Boulevard and Page Avenue. Other Orchard Lakes community members will communicate their advocacy for a sound wall through a letter or email, providing you with assurances that a majority of homeowners with property adjacent to I-270 and/or affected by I-270 traffic noise fully support the building of a sound wall. 

In summary, Director Hassinger, would it be possible to have representatives of the subdivision meet with you (a) to address our needs for a sound wall, (b) to demonstrate to you that a majority of (each community) homeowners with a property boundary adjacent to I-270 support the building of a sound wall, and (c) the conducting of an official study of I-270 noise levels to confirm our community satisfies all federal and state mandated requirements? 

Sincerely,