Record 8+ Greenway Bridge Projects Will Connect the St. Louis Region

Posted on Friday November 14, 2025


Great Rivers Greenway shares first look at new bridge renderings in most ambitious bridge-building effort to date

ST. LOUIS (November 6, 2025) – Great Rivers Greenway, the public agency connecting the St. Louis region through a network of greenway trails, has 8+ greenway bridge projects in planning and design and construction in 2026, the most in its 25-year history. These projects will expand access, improve safety, and strengthen connections across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County.

Great Rivers Greenway released new renderings today for bridges along the Meramec and Dardenne Greenways, giving the public a first look at upcoming crossings that will connect neighborhoods, parks, and destinations and expand the region’s 140 miles of existing greenways.

Voters created the agency on November 7, 2000, when they approved Proposition C, which established dedicated local funding to build a regional greenway system across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. The vote also led to the creation of a similar agency and trail network in Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois, MEPRD. Since 2000, the average St. Louisan has invested just less than 50 cents/month (less than $6/year) toward the network of greenways and parks to make the region even more vibrant, connected, resilient, and competitive.

Bridge Projects Strengthen Connections Across the Region

These greenway bridge projects represent the next phase of Great Rivers Greenway’s long-term effort to create safer, more connected routes for residents and visitors who are walking, running, rolling, or biking. The first three bridge projects will begin construction in 2026. Full-size renderings here.

  1. Dardenne Greenway (St. Peters): A bridge over Dardenne Creek and a wetland boardwalk with City of St. Peters, including federal grant funding.
    • Dardenne Greenway boardwalk
  2. Meramec Greenway (Eureka): A bridge over the Meramec River within Route 66 State Park will be rebuilt and reopened, in conjunction with Missouri State Parks.
  3. Dardenne Greenway (O’Fallon/Dardenne Prairie): A bridge over Dardenne Creek is in design with Cities of O’Fallon and Dardenne Prairie and St. Charles County, including a federal grant.
  4. Centennial Greenway (St. Peters): Ongoing bridge replacements and upgrades to the Spencer Creek Trail continuing through 2027 with City of St. Peters.
  5. Brickline Greenway (St. Louis City): A bridge along Spring Street to connect between east and westbound I-64/40 from City Foundry to the Grand MetroLink Station. Supported by a federal grant, construction is scheduled to take place coordinated with partner efforts from Missouri Department of Transportation in 2027/2028.
  6. Centennial Greenway (Creve Coeur): A bridge over U.S. 67 near the 39 North District, currently in planning with City of Creve Coeur, St. Louis County, 39 North, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Missouri Department of Transportation, and other partners. Construction is projected to take place in 2028 and includes a federal grant. 
  7. Maline Greenway (Ferguson): A bridge over Halls Ferry Road is being studied as part of the connection between West Florissant Ave and the existing Maline Greenway in Bella Fontaine County Park, in conjunction with City of Ferguson and St. Louis County.
  8. Meramec Greenway (Kirkwood/Fenton): A bridge connecting Unger Park across the Meramec River to Green Tree Park, currently in early planning to determine feasibility.

“These new bridges are part of our commitment to making greenways safer and more accessible for everyone,” said Mark Perkins, CEO of Great Rivers Greenway. “Greenway bridges cross literal barriers such as rivers, creeks, and highways; but greenway projects also transcend perceived barriers like zip codes, city limits, wards and neighborhoods to connect us together.”

25 Years of Regional Growth and Collaboration

Great Rivers Greenway remains one of the only greenway agencies in the United States that spans three counties and 120 municipalities, showing a rare and sustained level of regional cooperation. In 2013, voters reaffirmed their support by passing Proposition P, which extended funding and supported the CityArchRiver Project. The Great Rivers Greenway Foundation, created in 2016, has since expanded the agency’s reach through private and philanthropic partnerships.

Greenway use continues to grow. Great Rivers Greenways recorded more than three million trips in 2024, a 50% increase from before 2020, demonstrating how deeply the network has become integrated into daily life across the region.

Throughout 2025, Great Rivers Greenway marked its 25th anniversary with community events that celebrated partnerships and encouraged residents to explore the greenways. Highlights included The Great Gather Round, a community dinner in Forest Park; Greenway Bingo Cards that reward trail exploration; and Selfie Stations, which allow greenway users to capture memorable moments. Still to come is the Greenway Challenge, an interactive online game where players simulate building a greenway from planning through construction, and a Civic Panel with FOCUS St. Louis and St. Louis County Library on November 13 that will examine the civic impact of public spaces with local and national experts.

“When people use these greenways, they are not just getting from one place to another,” Perkins said. “They are connecting with their communities, spending time outdoors with their families, and building a stronger sense of civic pride. That is what 25 years of collaboration has made possible.”

To find ways to get involved, visit www.GreatRiversGreenway.org/subscribe and follow @GreatRiversSTL on social media.