In August, a bridge in the Busch Greenway between the Katy Trail and Duckett Creek Trailhead sustained significant damage following a vehicular accident and was subsequently closed. We have been working diligently to assess the condition of the bridge and have determined the damage is fairly extensive. This bridge was never designed with vehicular traffic in mind, and the additional stresses and wear and tear took their toll on the structure.

While it may appear to the casual observer as if the bridge can be fixed with a few boards and some light carpentry, its repair will require some degree of design and engineering. While this will ensure that the repaired bridge is safe and strong, it does add time to the process.

As stewards of your tax dollars, and as required by state law, we must follow a specified procurement process to interview or hire engineering firms, designers or to bid construction. These selections must then be approved by our board of directors before any work can take place on the project. We are also required to follow a variety of permitting requirements and environmental processes. This particular project, due to its location over a wetland, presents several challenges on this front.

While all of these layers of approval and oversight add time to the process, they serve a very important purpose that we cannot disregard. They ensure that your tax dollars are being used wisely and that all construction is environmentally responsible.

All totaled, the process to fix the bridge will take a few months, and because of the coming colder weather, it will likely be spring before it can reopen. Until then, we need your help to ensure the continued safety of the site.

We have repeatedly put up fencing and signage to block access to the bridge, but people continue to rip them out and climb through. Please plan an alternate route for your outing. If you do go all the way up to the bridge, discourage your walking or bicycling companions from crossing it.

If you are concerned about any vandalism or other conditions, let us know by using our online contact form at: https://greatriversgreenway.org/about-us/greenway-feedback/

There are still 4 miles of the Busch Greenway to explore and enjoy from Duckett Creek to the August A. Busch Conservation Area. You can connect to the KATY Trail from the Missouri Greenway: Monarch Chesterfield Levee via the new walking and biking path on the Boone Bridge. You can also connect to the KATY Trail via the Centennial Greenway: Katy to Heritage and the Boschert Greenway.

We know there are a lot of people who are disappointed about this closure, and want to assure you that we are too! This is a well-traveled greenway and an important connection—we are very sorry to see it temporarily shut down.

In the meantime, we’ll be out at the Duckett Creek Trailhead on Friday, October 21 from 11am-1pm to hold “Office Hours on the Greenways.” Stop by to pick up a map, have a snack and chat with our team about anything at all!

We hope to see you there, and we truly appreciate your help in keeping this area safe until the bridge can be restored to its previous condition.