Nightmare Intersection: Trouble on James S. McDonnell Boulevard and I-270

I-270 is an important highway for access through Hazelwood, with constantly flowing traffic. One of the busiest intersections with the interstate is at James S. McDonnell Boulevard. Because of the nine exit and entrance ramps, drivers must remain vigilant to avoid a collision. Motorists must be on the lookout constantly for sudden lane changes made by vehicles entering and exiting the highway.

Serious and fatal accidents are common at the James S. McDonnell Boulevard I-270 intersection, including crashes caused by:

• Aggressive drivers
• Impaired drivers
• Distracted drivers
• Speeding

Construction on I-270 in Recent Years

The I-270 North Design Build Project is a $278 million road construction project extending from James S. McDonnell Boulevard to Bellefontaine Road. This stretch of I-270 is dangerous, particularly at the James S. McDonnell Boulevard intersection. Overseen by the Missouri Department of Transportation, the project is designed to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion and crashes in the corridor, which was originally constructed in the early 1960s.

A total of 12 bridges are being demolished and replaced, and seven new bridges are being added to improve interchange and connectivity. The construction will make geometric improvements to address locations with high crash rates. An additional lane is being added to both eastbound and westbound I-270 between Route 67 and Route 367 to increase the capacity of the interstate. In the most urbanized section, the number of entrance ramps and exit ramps are being consolidated, and outer roads are being converted to one-way to reduce congestion and improve safety.

Crash Injuries Suffered by Commuters at I-270 and James S. McDonnell Boulevard

People traveling in this area include locals, commuters, and out-of-towners, due to the proximity of the airport. Motorists have a higher risk of accidents and injuries on this dangerous stretch of road. Injuries sustained in a traffic crash can range from minor to serious to fatal. Common car accident injuries include:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injury
• Neck and back injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Bone fractures and dislocations
• Spinal cord damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations
• Facial injuries

How Liability Is Determined for a Crash at James S. McDonnell Boulevard and I-270

Missouri is an at-fault state for car accidents. A driver whose negligence caused the crash can be held liable for resulting injuries. For example, a driver could be held liable for causing an accident by running a red light, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, driving distracted, making an unsafe lane change, or violating another driver’s right-of-way.

Missouri also recognizes the doctrine of comparative negligence, under which each driver involved in a wreck can be assigned a percentage of fault. Damages that would otherwise be recoverable can be reduced by that percentage. Our Missouri personal injury lawyers can investigate your accident to determine fault and liability and pursue all forms of compensation.

Safely Navigating a Dangerous Intersection

To reduce your risk of a crash in a dangerous intersection:

• Enter the intersection carefully.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Do not speed or run the light.
• Keep your distance from other vehicles.
• Always signal your intentions to other drivers.

If you have been injured in a crash at James S. McDonnell Boulevard and I-270, call Page Law at 1-800-CAR-CRASH (800-227-2727) to schedule a free consultation. We provide our clients with individual attention, from the start through the final resolution of the case. We have a history of success, recovering tens of millions of dollars for our clients. Our Missouri personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing until we recover compensation for you.