Since April, we’ve wrapped up work on four new greenway expansions—the Centennial Greenway Bridges over Highways 364 and 94, Mississippi Greenway in Cliff Cave Park, Fee Fee Greenway connection to Creve Coeur Park and the Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail. And there’s still more to come in 2018! We have two other greenways currently under construction and we’re finalizing plans to break ground on two more projects later this year. Here’s a quick update:
Deer Creek Greenway: Lorraine Davis Park to Deer Creek Park
Construction to extend the Deer Creek Greenway from Webster Groves’ Deer Creek Park and connect with Lorraine Davis Park is in full swing! This 1.5 mile project includes improvements to Lorraine Davis and Barnickle Parks. A new greenway bridge was set over Shady Creek at Brentwood Boulevard in May, and all three boardwalks in Lorraine Davis Park are complete. Work continues on a new overlook, pavilion and drinking fountain. Work is also underway on a new trailhead and parking lot on Marshall Avenue. Stay tuned for details for a fall ribbon cutting!
Maline Greenway: Bridges in Bella Fontaine Park
Construction continues in Bella Fontaine Park in north St. Louis County where we are working in partnership with St. Louis County and Missouri Department of Transportation to complete the first segment of the Maline Greenway. This phase of the project will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to connect to both sides of the park via a new underpass beneath Lewis and Clark Blvd. The project also includes the replacement of three pedestrian bridges and stabilization of the banks of Maline Creek. Contractors have completed the eastern connection to Bellefontaine Road and are working on the abutments that support three new bridges in the park. Crews are also working to rebuild the existing trails to make them ADA accessible. The project is expected to be complete in March 2019.
Centennial Greenway: Improvements to intersection at Delmar Blvd. at McKnight Rd.
The intersection where the Centennial Greenway crosses Delmar Blvd. at McKnight Rd. (east of I-170) has been confusing for many greenway users to navigate. Based on this ongoing feedback, we contracted with Alta Planning + Design to help address these safety concerns. After gathering additional input from the community in 2017, we developed short and long- term solutions to improve this intersection for everyone. The changes include new landscaping, navigation signage, and special white and green pavement markings that will keep walkers and bikers separate through both crossings. The final plans for these changes have been approved and construction is expected to begin in fall 2018. We appreciate University City, St. Louis County and Missouri Department of Transportation’s partnership on this project that will enhance the experience for everyone who uses this greenway!
Mississippi Greenway: Katherine Ward Burg Garden
Great Rivers Greenway has worked in collaboration with the City of St. Louis, Metro, MoDOT, Laclede’s Landing Merchants Association and other stakeholders on various studies to enhance the riverfront north of the Eads Bridge and Gateway Arch. The overall goal is to promote economic revitalization by transforming vacant property along the Mississippi River into public parks and recreation amenities. The Katherine Ward Burg Garden is a first step in this long-term plan. Situated adjacent to the Eads Bridge, the half-acre plaza has been designed to create a flexible and welcoming open space which attracts visitors north from the Arch grounds to explore Laclede’s Landing. This new space will serve as a comfortable spot for relaxing, meeting friends or for special events and programs.
Design details continue to be refined for this new public space, but plans include an iconic trellis, stepped terraces and curving seatwalls. The project is made possible by a generous estate donation via Katherine W. Burg’s trust and is expected to begin construction in fall 2018.
