Since January, we’ve cut the ribbon on five expanded greenways–Centennial Greenway Bridges over Highways 364 and 94, Mississippi Greenway in Cliff Cave Park, phase one of Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail connection to River des Peres, the Fee Fee Greenway connection to Creve Coeur Park and the expanded Deer Creek Greenway to Lorraine Davis Park. While we love celebrating these milestones, our team is focused on planning and building future greenway connections for you! Here’s a quick update:

Maline Greenway: Bella Fontaine Park

Construction of the first segment of the Maline Greenway in Bella Fontaine County Park is on track. This phase of the project will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to connect to both side 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. All three bridges have been set and crews are installing a rock riffle— a stream bank stabilization feature—adjacent to one of the new bridges. A rock riffle slows the flow of water in the creek during heavy rains and allows it to temporarily pond just upstream of the riffle. This not only prevents further erosion of the creek bank, but also slows the energy of the water as it moves downstream. After the riffle is built, portions of the creek bank that have been reshaped into a gentler slope will be planted with a mix of water-loving native trees and shrubs. Stay tuned for a late spring 2019 ribbon cutting!

Centennial Greenway: Improvements to intersection at Delmar Blvd. at McKnight Road

Work to improve the Centennial Greenway at Delmar Blvd. at McKnight Rd. (east of I-170) is underway. The goal of this project is to make this intersection easier for all users to navigate—whether they are on foot, bike, using a wheelchair or driving a car. The changes include new curb ramps, sidewalks, a protected bike lane, traffic signal improvements, navigation signage, and special white and green pavement markings that will keep walkers and bikers separate through both crossings. Crews have removed old medians and pavement and are currently working on the north side of Delmar building a new curb, sidewalks and a median on McKnight Rd. New signage is expected to be installed by the end of November. Weather permitting, the project should wrap up by the end of the year.

Coming Soon

Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail Connection to River des Peres Greenway

Construction on the next phase of the connection between Gravois Greenway: Grant’s Trail and the River des Peres Greenway is about to begin! We expect crews to break ground later this fall on this eagerly-anticipated greenway project. Necessary relocation of underground utilities is almost done and once crews are mobilized they will begin limited tree clearing and install erosion control and storm water pollution prevention measures. Construction will have no impact on greenway users and the full length of the existing greenway and all trail heads will remain open. Keep in mind that much of the construction will not be visible from Gravois Greenway’s current endpoint at Hoffmeister Ave. for several months. Weather permitting, the work is expected to last about 15 months. When the full extension is complete, three greenways will be linked together- Gravois, River des Peres, and Mississippi—with 21 continuous miles to explore and enjoy!

 

Mississippi Greenway: Katherine Ward Burg Garden

The Katherine Ward Burg Garden is the first step in a long-term plan to redevelop the St. Louis Riverfront north of the Eads Bridge and Gateway Arch in partnership with the City of St. Louis and other stakeholders. 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 and meeting friends or for special events and programs and is made possible by a generous estate donation from the Katherine W. Burg trust. Final permitting for the Katherine Ward Burg Garden is underway and we are putting the finishing touches on the plan documents. We hope to go out to bid in November and expect construction to start in early 2019. The project is expected to last about nine months.