Maggie Carlson

A partnership among Weldon Spring businesses, St. Charles County and the Missouri Department of Transportation has produced the county's first roundabout in Weldon Spring at Highway 40 and Missouri Research Park.

Elected officials, business representatives and other supporters turned out Tuesday for the dedication and opening of the addition.

Teamwork seemed to be the theme of the dedication as many referred to the partnership that made this $1.7 million project possible.

The roundabout, which was constructed by J.R.W Construction Inc., is one of the first in the state. A roundabout is designed to alleviate traffic and keep vehicles moving without the use of traffic signals.

Mayor Don Licklider said everyone involved worked hard to get the project completed.

"The key to me is that everyone worked together," he said. "We got $600,000 in private funds for the project."

Rick Finholt from the Missouri Research Park said some of the main contributors were the University of Missouri, which donated $190,000; MoDOT, which donated about $190,000; the St. Charles County Economic Development Center and the St.

Charles County Road Board.

"That's a lot of partners and everyone worked together," he said. "It's a unique concept."

Other major private contributors were MCI, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and tenants at the Missouri Research Park.

Two families also made private contributions to the project.

John Greifzu, from the office of the St. Charles County Executive, said the

project was only possible because of the generosity of the business leaders in

the area.

"That's what is nice and neat about this project," he said.

Weldon Spring business workers and residents will have easier access to Highway 40 with the new roundabout at Technology Drive and Meadows Parkway.

Enterprise Rent-a-car facilities manager Lynn Majewski said this will be important to Enterprise, which is adding a new building to their Weldon Spring campus.

"It will offer easier access to the south end of our campus," she said.

Jenni Riegel, with the office of Rep. Kenny Hulshof R-9th District, said she was impressed with MoDOT's work on the roundabout.

"MoDOT, as usual, has come through," she said. "Each project brings safer road ways and a major economic impact on the entire state."

Kacky Garner, from Sen. Jim Talent's office, thanked everyone who worked on this project.

"Jim said this is great for Weldon Springs and all of St. Charles County," she said.

Maggie Carlson can be contacted at mcarlson@yourjournal