St. Louis’ transportation network is becoming safer and more connected, and Compton Avenue is the latest street to receive traffic calming improvements designed to make travel safer for everyone.
In 2018, Trailnet released Connecting St. Louis, a community-driven plan that laid the groundwork for projects now transforming neighborhoods across the region, including the Tower Grove Connector and Tucker Boulevard Cycle Track. The plan also identified Compton Avenue as a future “Primary Calm Street,” a neighborhood street designed to keep vehicle speeds low while making it easier and safer for people to walk, bike, and access nearby destinations.
Following a traffic calming study initiated by former Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia, neighborhoods along Compton came together. The community collectively developed a clear vision for traffic calming in the area, even putting together a plan to maintain planters for beautification. That kind of neighborhood collaboration helps ensure street improvements reflect the people who live there and demonstrate how local voices can shape safer streets.
That vision is now taking shape between Shenandoah Avenue and I-44.
Recently, Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez advanced the community’s vision by moving the project toward implementation. Compton is receiving several safety improvements, including new crosswalks, curb extensions (also called bump-outs), upgraded signage, a midblock crossing, and a green bike crossing at Compton and Russell.
These changes aren’t intended to make driving difficult; they’re designed to make the street work better for everyone who uses it.
Research consistently shows that lower vehicle speeds reduce both the likelihood and severity of crashes. Curb extensions shorten crossing distances and improve visibility between drivers and people walking. Midblock crossings provide safer places to cross where people naturally need to go, helping connect homes, parks, businesses, and transit stops. Together, these improvements create a street that’s more predictable, more comfortable, and safer for everyone, whether they’re driving, walking, or biking.
Construction is currently underway, and once complete, Compton Avenue will offer a calmer, more connected experience for residents and visitors alike.
To learn more about how traffic calming works and how these improvements save lives, visit our Complete Streets for All page.