River des Peres Greenway Archives - Great Rivers Greenway

More Greenways for You in 2018!

Posted on January 31, 2018

Construction Update

Our team has been busy planning and building new greenways for you to explore and enjoy! Thanks to our many partners, and tremendous community feedback, we’ll be cutting the ribbon on several expanded greenways this year. We’ll also break ground on a few new projects in 2018. Here’s a quick update:

River des Peres Greenway
We’re putting the finishing touches on the extension of the River des Peres Greenway from the Shrewsbury- Lansdowne MetroLink to Slay Park. Trees and shrubs are all in place and wayfinding signs will be placed in the coming weeks. Thanks to this most recent expansion, the greenway now stretches a full 9.6 miles and connects to more places than ever before!

Centennial Greenway: Bridges over 364 & 94 in St. Charles County
In April, we’ll celebrate the expansion of the Centennial Greenway in St. Charles County over Highways 364 and 94. It now connects both sides of the community so people can safely walk or ride a bike across these busy highways. New connections to parks, schools, businesses and the Katy Trail on foot or bike are now possible thanks to these two bridges. Save the date for a ribbon cutting celebration with our partners on April 7, 2018!

Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park
In May, we’ll open the expanded greenway in Cliff Cave Park with a ribbon cutting May 4th and Community Day May 6th. This 2 mile expansion connects the existing greenway to the upper section of the park so it is more accessible for everyone. There’s also a new parking lot, restrooms and a neighborhood spur that connects to Telegraph Road. Wait ‘til you see the amazing view of the Mississippi River from the new overlook on the bluff!

Fee Fee Greenway: Aquaport to Creve Coeur Park
On June 14th, we’ll cut another ribbon on the expanded Fee Fee Greenway. This two mile extension along Quarry at Crystal Springs golf course makes it possible to walk or ride a bike all the way from Aquaport in Maryland Heights to Creve Coeur Park.

Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail
On June 24th, we’ll open the new trailhead at the south end of the greenway near Orlando’s. The first phase of this eagerly anticipated expansion includes restrooms, benches, landscaping and a play structure. As part of the festivities, we’ll also host an open house so you can learn more about the second phase of the project that will extend the greenway an additional two miles to connect with the River des Peres Greenway.

Deer Creek Greenway: Deer Creek Park to Lorraine Davis Park
Next fall, we’ll celebrate the 1.5 mile extension of the Deer Creek Greenway from Webster Groves Deer Creek Park to Lorraine Davis Park. When complete, there will be a total of 2.2 miles to explore and enjoy! There will also be a new boardwalk, landscaping with native plants, and a new pavilion with picnic tables and a drinking fountain in Lorraine Davis Park.

What’s Coming in 2018

The Great Rivers Greenway Board has approved funding to advance several projects in 2018. Here are a few highlights:

Chouteau Greenway
Together with our partners, we’ll advance the concepts for the Chouteau Greenway as the design competition continues through the end of June. See the latest updates here. Get the latest information on the Chouteau Greenway here.

Maline Greenway
Construction will soon begin on the first segment of the Maline Greenway in Bella Fontaine Park. Plans include the renovation of existing trails, replacement of three pedestrian bridges, and construction of an underpass beneath Lewis and Clark Boulevard that will connect both sides of the park, providing area residents with a safer way to enjoy all the park’s amenities and improved options for accessing transit.

New Trailhead on Deer Creek Greenway
Bids are out for a new trailhead on Marshall Avenue along the route of the Deer Creek Greenway that’s currently under construction. It will offer parking, a water fountain, a pavilion, benches, restored streambank habitat and more!

Centennial Greenway: Interstate I-70 and Delmar Improvements
We are working with our partners on the final designs to improve the greenway where it crosses over Delmar at I-170 in the City of University City. The goal is to make it safer and easier for people to navigate this intersection whether they are on foot, bike or in a car.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Greenway Construction Update: August 2017

Posted on August 30, 2017

Our project managers have been busy overseeing greenway construction throughout the St. Louis region. Here are the latest updates:

In St. Charles County, crews have been hard at work building the supporting walls for the bridges that will extend the Centennial Greenway over Highways 364 and 94. The bridge truss segments will be assembled on site and then separately hoisted into place in September. This will require four overnight lane closures and all project partners are working together to minimize inconvenience to motorists who live and work in this area. Stay tuned for the exact dates when these new bridges will be set in place!

In south St. Louis County, work continues in the Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave County Park where contractors have placed two bridges, including a 210 foot bridge over Cliff Cave Road. Work continues on a new overlook which will provide visitors with a safe vista of the Mississippi River’s breathtaking grandeur. Paving on the east side of the project, the new parking lot, and restroom installation is planned for the coming weeks.

In the City of St. Louis, construction of a new extension to the River des Peres Greenway is substantially complete between Lansdowne and Interstate 44. Work continues on the Lansdowne bridge where the greenway will connect to the Shrewsbury MetroLink Station. Contractors are now focused on the stretch of greenway north of Interstate 44 to Francis R. Slay Park. Keep an eye out for new trees that will be installed this fall!

In Maryland Heights, the expansion of the Fee Fee Greenway from its current endpoint in McKelvey Woods to Creve Coeur County Park is well underway. Crews are preparing to set a 70 foot bridge across Fee Fee Creek next month. When the project is complete in early to mid-2018, the three mile greenway will connect the new Maryland Heights Community Center and Aquaport with Creve Coeur County Park.

Coming Soon: Bids for the construction of the first phase of the Gravois Greenway expansion and Deer Creek Greenway extension to Lorraine Davis Park were received the week of August 21. The Great Rivers Greenway Board of Directors will be reviewing them at our September board meeting. We’ll let you know when you can look forward to these projects breaking ground!

Temporary Lane Changes to Shift on Wabash/Ellendale in the City of St. Louis on June 30th for Next Phase of River des Peres Greenway Construction

Posted on June 20, 2017

Construction on River des Peres Greenway Expansion Nearing Halfway Point

On June 30th, temporary lane changes on Wabash/Ellendale in the City of St. Louis will shift again to accommodate the next phase of the River des Peres Greenway construction. The paved greenway – designed for walking, running and riding bikes – is being built parallel to the southbound lanes of Wabash/ Ellendale Avenues (which is the same street that changes names) between Lansdowne and Canterbury Avenues in the City of St. Louis.

Between Lansdowne and the Interstate 44 Bridge, people driving or riding bikes southbound on Wabash/Ellendale will use the new single southbound lane parallel to the greenway. Northbound traffic will use a single northbound lane. Between St. James and Canterbury, the lanes will shift and people driving will utilize the recently improved northbound lanes of Ellendale to travel north and south. The southbound lanes in this area will be closed to traffic so the greenway can be constructed.

Click here to view or download a full-size pdf map of the lane changes.

“This traffic shift will introduce southbound travelers to the first phase of the permanent changes that will be made to the roadway—the reduction of one southbound lane from Lansdowne to Canterbury, parallel to the new greenway,” says Angelica Gutierrez, Great Rivers Greenway Project Manager. “It will also show people who use this roadway how a single, narrowed lane calms traffic and makes it easier for those who are walking, pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair to cross the street.”

Construction will continue to be staggered to ensure vehicle traffic remains open in both directions at all times. Any driveways or side streets that intersect with the new greenway will be constructed one half side at a time to ensure access for residents and property owners. Project partners will also work closely with the construction team to minimize inconvenience to neighborhood residents and roadway users.

“As this traffic shift takes effect, we remind drivers to use caution as they adjust to the narrowed southbound lane on Wabash,” says Deanna Venker, Traffic Commissioner for the City of St. Louis. “We also remind people to adhere to the 25-mile-per-hour speed limit in the construction zone for the safety of everyone working and traveling in this area.”

This phase of the project to extend the River des Peres Greenway 1.8 miles north from Lansdowne to Francis R. Slay Park in St. Louis City is a partnership between Great Rivers Greenway, the City of St. Louis and the Missouri Department of Transportation. The goals of the project include expanded walking and biking connections to residential neighborhoods, business districts, MetroLink and MetroBus, as well as traffic calming to increase safety for everyone who uses the roadway.

Permanent changes to the roadway include the reduction of one southbound lane from Lansdowne to Canterbury, parallel to the new greenway. Both northbound lanes will remain. Other improvements include roadway resurfacing, new lighting, enhanced drainage and low maintenance, native landscaping.

Construction is expected to last through December 2017.

Greenway Project Updates: May 2017

Posted on May 31, 2017

Progress continues on 6.8 miles of new greenway under construction across the region

Despite the recent rainy weather, progress continues on 6.8 miles of new greenway under construction across the region!

In St. Charles County, work is underway on the Centennial Greenway expansion over Highways 364 and 94. The route has been cleared and contractors have started driving steel pile into the bedrock to support the new bicycle and pedestrian bridges, which are slated to be installed over the highways this September.

Along the Fee Fee Greenway in Maryland Heights, contractors are focused on excavation and earthwork to prepare the way for the new connection that will link Aquaport and McKelvey Woods to Creve Coeur County Park.

In south St. Louis County, work continues in the Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park where contractors are building the abutments for the walking and biking bridge over Cliff Cave Road. They are also building new retaining walls and working on the new stretch of greenway that will connect the upper and lower sections of the park.

On the north end of the River des Peres Greenway, contractors have already finished several segments of the new greenway and are rebuilding portions of the roadway on Ellendale. You can also see the greenway taking shape on the Lansdowne bridge where it will connect to the Shrewsbury MetroLink Station.

On the south end of River des Peres Greenway, the extension from Alabama to Broadway through Lemay Park is almost finished and is open to cyclists, joggers and walkers. The segment that will eventually connect with the Mississippi Greenway near the River City Casino has temporarily been put on hold. We are working with our partners at Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District to coordinate some planned repairs to the banks of the River des Peres as well as some sewer line improvements. As stewards of taxpayer funds, we do not want to build this segment of greenway only to tear it up again in the coming months to accommodate this construction. We will let you know the updated timeline for completing the connection as soon as details are finalized. Thank you for your patience!

4 Greenway Construction Projects Break Ground in first quarter of 2017

Posted on March 24, 2017

Our team has been hard at work on several new construction projects that have broken ground in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County during the first quarter of 2017. Here’s a quick update:

River des Peres Greenway
The River des Peres Greenway is currently undergoing construction in two directions. At its southern end, construction continues from the Alabama Bridge to the Mississippi Greenway. To the north, work began the week of March 13th to extend it another 1.8 miles from the Shrewsbury Lansdowne MetroLink Station to Francis R. Slay Park. When these projects are complete, people will be able to walk, run, ride a bike or use a wheelchair in a paved greenway all the way from the neighborhood greenway at Arsenal and McCausland to Jefferson Barracks and Carondelet Parks! (click here for more information)

Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave County Park
Construction of the two mile expansion of the Mississippi Greenway in Cliff Cave County Park began in February. Following guidelines provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, all tree removal has been conducted while the area’s tree roosting bats – including the endangered Indiana Bat – were still hibernating. This project builds upon the 5+ miles of greenways already built in Cliff Cave County Park, and will provide a safe, accessible (ADA) connection between the upper and lower parts of this park along the mighty Mississippi. (click here for more information)

Centennial Greenway: Bridges over Highways 364 and 94
In St. Charles County, construction is underway on a one-mile extension of the existing 2.2-mile Centennial Greenway that links Heritage Park & Museum and the Katy Trail State Park to connect thousands of residents on both sides of highways 364 and 94. The new route will enable on-street connections to nearby Laurel Park, Schaefer Park, Wapelhorst Park, the Laurel Park Trail, McClay Branch of the St. Charles City-County Library, Francis Howell North High School and Henderson Elementary School—all of which are less than two miles from the bridges. More than 800 native trees and shrubs, representing 26 plant species, will also be planted as part of the greenway project. (click here for more information)

Fee Fee Greenway: McKelvey Woods to Creve Coeur County Park
The Fee Fee Greenway parallels Fee Fee Creek, and lies within the Missouri River watershed in Maryland Heights in Northwest St. Louis County. In February, construction kicked off to extend the existing trail an additional 2 miles from McKelvey Woods along Crystal Springs
Quarry Golf Club, to connect with existing trails in Creve Coeur Park (near Marine Avenue). When it’s complete, people can walk, run, ride a bike or push a stroller all the way from the Maryland Heights Community Center, Aquaport and Dogport through McKelvey Woods to Creve Coeur Park. They’ll also be able to connect to the KATY Trail and Centennial Greenway in St. Charles County via the Creve Coeur Connector Trail and separated path on the Page Avenue Bridge! (click here for more information)

All of these greenways provide new opportunities for you to explore new parts of your communities, get some exercise and fresh air, and even get around town. To see a list of all the greenways, click here.

Construction on River des Peres Greenway Expansion to begin March 13

Posted on March 8, 2017

Residents Can Expect Temporary Lane Changes on Wabash/Ellendale in the City of St. Louis through December as part of the Greenway Construction

Construction to extend the River Des Peres Greenway 1.8 miles north from Lansdowne to Francis R. Slay Park is scheduled to begin Monday, March 13. The paved, separated greenway for walking, running and riding bikes is being built parallel to the southbound lanes of Wabash and Ellendale Avenues (which is the same street that changes names) between Lansdowne and Canterbury Avenues in the City of St. Louis.

On Monday, March 13, traffic on Wabash/Ellendale will be reduced to one northbound lane and one southbound lane between Lansdowne and Canterbury. Construction will be staged to ensure vehicle traffic will remain open in both directions at all times. Any driveways or side streets that intersect with the new greenway will be constructed one half side at a time to ensure access for residents and property owners.

“We want to make sure people who drive or ride bikes on Wabash and Ellendale are aware of these temporary lane changes necessary to accommodate the expansion of the greenway,” says Angelica Gutierrez, Great Rivers Greenway Project Manager. “We are working closely with our partners and construction team to minimize inconvenience to neighborhood residents and others who use this roadway so we can expand this greenway for all to enjoy.”

Between Lansdowne and the Interstate 44 Bridge, people driving or riding bikes will use the two existing northbound lanes on Wabash to travel north and south. The two existing southbound lanes in this area will be temporarily closed to traffic. Between St. James and Canterbury, people driving will utilize the existing two southbound lanes of Ellendale to travel north and south. The two northbound lanes in this area will be temporarily closed to traffic.

“There will be no loss of street parking on Wabash, but parking will be intermittent as construction progresses,” says Deanna Venker, Traffic Commissioner for the City of St. Louis. “Residents and visitors will be able to park on side streets and we will ensure walking access is maintained, with minimal detours throughout construction.”

This phase of the River des Peres Greenway expansion is a partnership between Great Rivers Greenway, the City of St. Louis and the Missouri Department of Transportation. Goals of the project include expanded walking and biking connections to residential neighborhoods, business districts, MetroLink and MetroBus, as well as traffic calming to increase safety for everyone who uses the roadway.

“When the greenway is finished, people will be able to walk, ride a bike, push a stroller or use a wheelchair all the way from the new neighborhood greenway at Arsenal and McCausland to Lemay and Carondelet Parks,” says Gutierrez.

Construction is expected to last about 10 months. For more information about this project, click here.

River des Peres Greenway Update!

Posted on February 21, 2017

Construction continues on the one mile greenway extension that will connect the River des Peres Greenway with the Mississippi Greenway at River City Casino!

A new crossing along the Alabama Avenue bridge over the River des Peres is complete:

The old sidewalk on the south side of the Alabama Avenue bridge has been removed (using a special machine that pumped 60 gallons of water per minute through a hole the size of a pencil lead at a pressure of 18,000 PSI)

Beautiful new plazas have been constructed at the intersections:

And asphalt has been poured through Lemay Park and along River City Casino Boulevard to Broadway:

Construction between Alabama and Broadway is largely complete, and is already seeing use by cyclists and pedestrians, but the remainder of the extension from Broadway to the River City Casino is temporarily on hold.

Great Rivers Greenway, in partnership with the Metropolitan Sewer District is currently planning some repairs to the banks of the River des Peres along the path of the greenway as well as some sewer line improvements. These matters will need to be addressed before the remainder of the trail can be constructed. Stay tuned for additional updates.

Lansdowne to Francis R. Slay Park

On the northern side of the River des Peres Greenway, design work is complete for its extension towards Francis R. Slay Park. The project has been bid out, and a winning bid has been approved by the Great Rivers Greenway Board of Directors. Construction is expected to begin soon and completion of this project is expected near the end of 2017.

When both projects are complete, there will be a continuous corridor from Francis Slay Park (Intersection of Canterbury & Ellendale) in the City of St. Louis all the way to Jefferson Barracks County Park in St. Louis County!

2016 River des Peres Trash Bash Smashes Records

Posted on October 31, 2016

The 2016 River des Peres Trash Bash was a smashing success! A record 500 volunteers gathered together to clean up the creeks and streams in the River des Peres Watershed. All together, these hardworking volunteers removed five tons of trash and 161 tires in just 4 hours!

With the goal of keeping as much of the trash out of the landfill as possible, volunteers separated the trash and recycled 1.4 tons of scrap metal and 1.3 tons of aluminum cans and plastic bottles.

Prizes were awarded for the most unique item found (a coconut); most valuable item (a debit card); and the largest (a child-sized plastic lounge chair).

Thanks to their efforts, they cleaned up surrounding neighborhoods, improved water quality and helped area wildlife by improving their habitat. If you are interested in participating in the next cleanup, mark your calendar for the Confluence Trash Bash scheduled for March 18, 2017.

Construction Progressing to Connect River des Peres and Mississippi Greenways!

Posted on September 20, 2016

Construction continues on the one mile greenway connection extending the River des Peres Greenway from its current endpoint at Alabama Avenue to the Mississippi Greenway at River City Casino. When complete, you will be able to walk or ride a bike all the way from the Shrewsbury MetroLink Station to Jefferson Barracks Park! You’ll also be able to connect to Carondelet Park, River des Peres Park, Loughborough Commons and other neighborhoods and businesses along the way.

The new paved route is separated from the roadway and will meander through Lemay Park and run parallel to River City Casino Boulevard. It will take you beneath the railroad tracks and connect with the current endpoint of the Mississippi Greenway on the north side of the River City Casino parking lot. When complete the total mileage of the greenway from Shrewsbury Metrolink to Jefferson Barracks Park will be 7.8 miles.

Click here to learn more about the River des Peres Greenway:Shrewsbury MetroLink to Carondelet Park

Click here to learn more about the Mississippi Greenway: Jefferson Barracks Park to River des Peres

Greenway Getaway: River des Peres Greenway

Posted on August 29, 2016

If you like Grant’s Trail in the Gravois Greenway, but prefer the route “less traveled,” you’ll love the River des Peres Greenway! This greenway, along with its two connectors, offers plenty of sunshine and is great for walkers, runners and bikers of all skill levels. We’ve broken down the mileage for different segments, as well as connections to surrounding parks so you can “build your own” adventure.

6 mile route: Out and back from Lansdowne to Gravois

The 3-mile section between Lansdowne and Gravois was recently rebuilt, offering a smooth ride and gentle sloping grades. You can park at the Shrewsbury/Lansdowne MetroLink Station and enjoy a slow-paced out-and-back ride for a total of 6 miles. Be sure to take note of the rain garden near the Shop-n-Save Parking lot at Weil Avenue. You’ll see plenty of pollinators enjoying the native plantings this time of year. There are restrooms and drinking fountains at Fultz field.

10 miles: Lansdowne to Alabama

The full distance of the current greenway between Lansdowne and Alabama is 5 miles. If you do an out-and-back walk or ride, you’ll log 10 miles.

11 mile route: Full tour from Carondelet Park

Start your run or ride in Carondelet Park and jump on the “Carondelet Connector” paved trail near the intersection of Holly Hills and Grand Avenue in the park. Follow it for one mile to Highway 55 and Germania. Take a right and follow the greenway all the way to the Shrewsbury/Lansdowne Metrolink Station, turn around and follow it back to the current end of the paved trail at Alabama and then return to Carondelet Park via the Carondelet Connector.

Side Trips for Your Walking/Running/Biking Pleasure:

Willmore Park
You can connect to Willmore Park by crossing the River des Peres at Gravois and heading west on Hampton Avenue via a dedicated bike lane. There, an additional 1.5 miles of paved trails meander around the lakes in Willmore Park to explore and enjoy!

Carondelet Park
A two mile network of paved trails runs throughout Carondelet Park. Take a journey through these trails on to boost your mileage!

The Carondelet Connector
The Carondelet Connector spurs off the River des Peres Trail at the intersection of Highway 55 and Germania. You can walk or ride your bike 1 mile on the paved trail and connect to all of the businesses at Loughborough Commons as well as Carondelet Park near the YMCA.

Christy Greenway
The Christy Greenway is a neighborhood greenway that spurs off the River des Peres Greenway between Gravois and Morgan Ford Rd. that will take you approximately 1 mile to Holly Hills Boulevard. Once there, you can connect with Bike St. Louis on street bike routes to Carondelet Park.

Here are some other things to do along the River des Peres Greenway:

Stop by Lyle House in Carondelet Park and see the oldest existing frame house within the City Limits of St. Louis

Check out the YMCA Rec Plex in Carondelet Park. The outdoor pool is open to the public Monday-Friday during the summer.

Enjoy the playgrounds in Carondelet Park and River des Peres Park

Enjoy the lakes in Willmore and Carondelet Parks

Board the Metrolink at the Shrewsbury/Lansdowne Station and take it to the Forest Park-DeBaliviere station where you can connect to Forest Park. You can also take it to points beyond! If you want to bring your bike on the train, click here for the guidelines.

More Greenway Coming Soon!

Within the next year, there will be even more River des Peres Greenway to explore and enjoy as it will extend from Alabama Avenue to the River City Casino, connecting to the Mississippi Greenway and Jefferson Barracks Park. Construction is currently underway and should be completed by spring 2017.

For more information on the River des Peres Greenway, click here.

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Tag: River des Peres Greenway