FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emma Klues, VP of Communications & Outreach
Great Rivers Greenway | 217-649-4695 | eklues@grgstl.org
Brickline Greenway Awarded $9.9 Million in Construction Funds from U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s office will match local funds to build a greenway bridge between I-64/40 decks at Spring Street
St. Louis, Missouri – The Brickline Greenway just took an important step forward. With support from Congresswoman Cori Bush, the United States Department of Transportation awarded Great Rivers Greenway $9,925,000 in construction funding as part of its Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program. This is half of the total projected construction cost for this new greenway bridge for people walking, running, using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, or riding a bicycle. Great Rivers Greenway will fund the balance with local tax dollars and private gifts from donors such as the Berges Family Foundation.
“This greenway bridge will be the hub where the north, south, east and west Brickline Greenway routes come together,” said Susan Trautman, Chief Executive Officer for Great Rivers Greenway. “Creating access for everyone and leveraging local tax dollars, private philanthropy with federal dollars is a win for all.”
The project area is in the Midtown area of St. Louis City, spanning from Laclede Avenue south on Spring Street and across Forest Park Avenue past the City Foundry. A new greenway bridge will go above the east-bound lanes and below the west-bound lanes of I-64/40, bridging through the current barrier created by the interstate to the Grand MetroLink Station and Armory District on the other side, offering easier access for nearby destinations along the way. This portion of the greenway will link into a separate Brickline Greenway project connecting the Grand MetroLink Station to the Cortex MetroLink Station, creating more access and options for residents and visitors alike.
“Every person and community deserves healthy and safe transit options,” said Congresswoman Bush. “This greenway bridge will improve connectivity between our neighborhoods and help create a more pedestrian, mass transit, and bike friendly St. Louis for everyone. I am so happy to have supported this project and that our office could help make this funding possible.”
Partners include the City of St. Louis, private developments, and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The two public agencies are aligning schedules with the reconstruction of the eastbound I-64 bridge over Vandeventer Avenue in 2027-2028 to minimize disruption for community members.
“This is a unique opportunity to create more transportation options for everyone. As MoDOT moves forward with potential improvements on I-64 in this area, we will continue to work with our partners on the Brickline Greenway,” said Tom Blair, MoDOT St. Louis district engineer.
“The many partners alongside Great Rivers Greenway are helping to make the City of St. Louis a vibrant community with green spaces, art, and equitable economic development along the way,” said City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “This development is a chance for residents to thrive in St. Louis by connecting to and exploring our great city in new ways.”
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Images specific to this project are below.
Project Area Map
This close-up of the project area shows some of the nearby destinations that will be more accessible, alongside an important transit stop – Grand MetroLink Station.
Current Conditions
Current conditions at site of new greenway bridge, looking south from City Foundry and looking north from Armory STL.
Conceptual rendering
Rendering of the Brickline Greenway along the MetroLink corridor, just west of the Grand Station, where these two sections will meet. The signature line of bricks will be in each segment, along with amenities like benches, bike racks and drinking fountains, native plants, public art, signage and more!
Brickline Greenway Map
The yellow star shows the project area, the hub at the middle of the project!