Setting of New 600-foot Pedestrian Bridge for the Gravois Greenway Will Keep Bayless Avenue Open But Close Some Lanes and Ramps Temporarily

People who travel on Bayless Avenue between Avenue H and Union Road or to access Highway I‑55 should be aware of temporary lane restrictions scheduled for the week of February 17, 2020 to set a new greenway bridge. Use of alternate routes is recommended.

Beginning Tuesday February 18, traffic will be delayed or restricted so crews can install a pedestrian bridge as part of Great Rivers Greenway’s expansion. The 600-foot bridge is comprised of seven individual segments which will be lifted and set in place over a three day period. When complete, the paved greenway will extend an additional two miles from Hoffmeister Ave. to connect the Gravois Greenway (Grant’s Trail) to the River Des Peres Greenway at River City Blvd.

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, crews will place three bridge segments north of Bayless Avenue; expect the following:

• Beginning at 9am, bridge segments will be off-loaded from the northbound I-55 on-ramp.
• The northbound I-55 on-ramp will remain open, but will be reduced in width; traffic may be temporarily delayed until each bridge segment is safely removed from the delivery vehicles.
• Three segments will be delivered to the site and installed between the hours of 9am and 3pm.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, crews will place two more bridge segments south of Bayless Avenue; expect the following:

• Beginning at 9am, bridge segments will be off-loaded from the northbound I-55 exit ramp onto Bayless Avenue.
• The Bayless Avenue exit ramp will remain open, but the exit ramp will be reduced in width and traffic may be temporarily delayed until each bridge segment is safely removed from the delivery vehicles.
• Travelers turning east (right) from the I-55 exit ramp onto eastbound Bayless Avenue should consider alternate routes. During the delivery, all traffic turning east (right) from the I‑55 exit ramp onto eastbound Bayless Avenue will be delayed until each bridge segment is safely removed from the delivery vehicles.
• Two segments will be delivered to the site and installed between the hours of 9am and 3pm.

On Thursday, February 20, 2020, crews will place the final two bridge segments over Bayless Avenue; expect the following:

• Beginning at 9am, crews will reduce Bayless Avenue to one travel lane in each direction between I-55 and the Union Pacific railroad tracks. The traffic signals at the intersection of Bayless Avenue and the highway on-ramp and exit ramp to and from northbound I-55 will be set to red flash.
• A traffic director will be present at all times to direct traffic through the intersection. People driving should follow the directions provided by the traffic director.
• East-west travel on Bayless Avenue will remain open but will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction. Delays are expected.
• For those driving larger-than-standard vehicles such as buses or semis:
  • All bus or semi traffic turning east (right) from the I-55 exit ramp onto eastbound Bayless Avenue will be restricted. Use of an alternate route is required.
  • All bus or semi traffic turning onto northbound I-55 from westbound Bayless Avenue will be restricted. Use of an alternate route is required.

“All project partners are working together to minimize inconvenience to the people who live, work and travel in this area,” said Lonny Boring, Great Rivers Greenway Senior Project Manager. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we set the bridge over this busy intersection. Once complete, greenway users will be able to walk, ride a bike, push a stroller or use a wheelchair—all separated from the traffic below.”

All work is weather-permitting and could be shifted due to inclement weather or other delays. Greenway construction is expected to be complete in late spring 2020; community members are invited to a celebration on June 4. Stay tuned for details at www.GreatRiversGreenway.org/events.