Facility Overview

The MoDOT Barnhart Commuter Lot (commonly known as the I-55 Parking commuter facility) is a public park-and-ride lot strategically located at the junction of Interstate 55 and Missouri State Route M (Exit 185) in Barnhart, Missouri. Positioned along Metropolitan Boulevard in northern Jefferson County, this open-air, ground-level asphalt surface lot is operated by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to facilitate carpooling, vanpooling, and highway access for regional commuters heading north toward the St. Louis metropolitan core or south into Greater Jefferson County.

Because the lot is an unobstructed open-air facility with no overhead structures or parking decks, there are no vertical clearance limits. Drivers operating full-size pickup trucks, commercial work vans, high-roof conversion vans, and oversized SUVs can easily navigate the wide turnarounds and park comfortably without worrying about low garage clearance. Marked perimeter and interior stalls provide plenty of maneuvering room for daily vehicle staging.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated within the scenic rolling hills of Jefferson County, the lot serves as a regional transportation gateway bridging suburban Barnhart, Imperial, Pevely, and Antonia. While primarily designed as a commuter transfer point, the lot provides swift access to key local destinations and regional attractions:

• Mastodon State Historic Site: Located roughly 6 miles north (about an 8-minute drive) in Imperial, featuring hiking trails, picnic sites, and the renowned Kimmswick Bone Bed.
• Historic Kimmswick: Just 7 miles northeast, a beloved historic river town home to artisan craft shops, annual festivals, and the famous Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery.
• Jefferson County Dining & Retail: Immediate access along Route M and Metropolitan Boulevard to neighborhood service centers, convenience stations, and local diners such as Case & Bucks.
• Downtown St. Louis Sports & Entertainment: Located approximately 26 miles directly north via Interstate 55, making it an efficient staging point for carpools headed to Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), Enterprise Center (St. Louis Blues), CITYPARK (St. Louis CITY SC), and the Gateway Arch National Park.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward and engineered for high-volume commuter flow. Drivers exit I-55 at Exit 185 (Route M / Barnhart / Antonia) and navigate directly via the modern roundabout connection onto Metropolitan Boulevard, which provides direct entry into the commuter lot. Leaving the lot after peak hours or returning in the evening is seamless, with dedicated merge lanes feeding directly back onto either northbound or southbound Interstate 55 as well as east-west Route M.

The facility serves as an official park-and-pool hub partnered with regional rideshare initiatives, including RideFinders (the St. Louis regional carpool and vanpool program). It allows commuters traveling between Jefferson County and central St. Louis business districts—such as Clayton, Central West End, Downtown, and South County—to consolidate trips, reduce carbon emissions, and avoid expensive downtown parking fees.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• 100% Free Commuter Parking: State-maintained open-air parking available to the public at no cost for daytime and rideshare use.
• Unrestricted Headroom: Open-sky surface layout accommodates tall work trucks, rooftop cargo carriers, and full-size transit vans.
• Accessibility (ADA): Designated level-grade parking spaces marked with standard ADA signage for drivers with mobility permits.
• Safety & Visibility: High-mast overhead illumination throughout the parking lot to provide visibility during early-morning departures and late-evening returns.
• Wide Turning Radius: Broad lanes and open apron design ensure effortless navigation and turning for large vehicles.
• Direct Highway Orientation: Positioned seconds from the I-55 on- and off-ramps via Metropolitan Boulevard.

Ideal For

• St. Louis Metro Commuters: Suburban professionals working in downtown St. Louis, Fenton, Mehlville, or Clayton seeking a convenient rendezvous point for weekday carpools.
• Sports Fans & Concertgoers: Groups meeting up to take a single vehicle to games and concerts at Busch Stadium, the Enterprise Center, or The Factory at the District.
• Trade Contractors & Crews: Tradespeople and commercial crews staging shared rides for jobsites across the St. Louis metropolitan corridor.
• Regional Rideshare & Vanpool Groups: Participants enrolled in RideFinders and local corporate commuter programs.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• No Permit or Payment Needed: The facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no payment meters, gates, or parking apps needed.
• Peak Arrival Times: On standard weekdays, carpool groups typically assemble between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM; arriving slightly earlier ensures access to spots closest to the main exit.
• Lock and Conceal Belongings: As with any open highway park-and-ride lot, always roll up windows, lock all vehicle doors, and ensure valuables, tools, and bags are kept out of sight in the trunk.
• Weather Awareness: During winter weather events, check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map prior to departure to monitor I-55 road clearing conditions.