The Connecting St. Louis master plan is a vision to connect our cultural centers, business districts, and neighborhoods with a seamless on-street network of safe connections of bikeways and sidewalks. This network will attract and retain talent, strengthen our economy, and connect people to the places they love. The project team would like to thank all our community partners, individuals, organizations, and institutions who helped bring this project together.
The report’s streets recommendations take into account:
- Quality of Life
- Existing Plans, Parks and Trails
- Transit
- Economic Development Potential
- Equity
- Density
Street Recommendations
WEST FLORISSANT: O’FALLON PARK TO NORTH GRAND BOULEVARD
QUALITY OF LIFE This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents to community resources like Aetna Health on West Florissant as well as create a safe connection for access to cultural destinations.
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to multiple bus lines including the 70-Grand bus.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT West Florissant is a primarily residential corridor with nodes of commercial at major intersections. Unfortunately, much of the properties zoned for commercial are vacant and are in need of redevelopment. Development guided by a community form-based code or Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) could create dense and affordable housing immediately adjacent to the improvements and park.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Connecting St. Louis proposes an elevated or protected bikeway with new sidewalks and improved pedestrian crossing. Additionally, Connecting St. Louis sees an opportunity to create a new node of activity at the intersection of Warne Avenue.
GRAND BOULEVARD: WEST FLORISSANT TO NATURAL BRIDGE
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to the last stop of the proposed Northside-Southside MetroLink expansion at Grand Boulevard and Natural Bridge Road. Additionally, Connecting St. Louis recommended facilities will run parallel to the 70-Grand bus.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to the last stop of the proposed Northside-Southside MetroLink expansion at Grand Boulevard and Natural Bridge Road.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT A large number of vacant properties zoned for commercial use exists along this section of Grand Boulevard. Development guided by a community Form-based code or Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) could create dense and affordable housing immediately adjacent to the improvements and park.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Connecting St. Louis proposes installing a protected bikeway along Grand Boulevard. The protected bikeway will either be elevated or separated using bollards, planters, and/or parking. Additionally, Connecting St. Louis is proposing multiple mid-block crossings into Fairground Park from the east.
GRAND BOULEVARD: NATURAL BRIDGE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DRIVE
EQUITY A corridor isn’t simply described as equitable because it goes to north St. Louis. The North Grand Boulevard corridor of Connecting St. Louis is equitable because it bridges mobility gaps that are prevalent for residents of north St. Louis. Sidewalk and road conditions specifically highlight the infrastructure disinvestment that negatively impact black St. Louisans.
QUALITY OF LIFE This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents to community resources like Aetna Health on West Florissant as well as create a safe connection for access to cultural destinations.
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to multiple bus lines including the 70-Grand bus.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to the last stop of the proposed Northside-Southside MetroLink expansion at Grand Boulevard and Natural Bridge Road.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Unfortunately, much of the properties zoned for commercial are vacant and are in need of redevelopment. Development guided by a community Form-based code or a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) could create dense and affordable housing immediately adjacent to the improvements and park.
DENSITY The surrounding community has a high percentage of households without access to a vehicle. This situation creates a higher demand for active transportation infrastructure.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) This section of Grand Boulevard is capable of holding an elevated protected bikeway with new sidewalks and improved pedestrian crossing. Grand Boulevard creates an opportunity to elevate public transportation services and amenities on the busiest transit corridor in the region.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DRIVE: GRAND BOULEVARD TO COMPTON AVENUE
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to multiple bus lines including the 70-Grand bus.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to the last stop of the proposed Northside-Southside MetroLink expansion at Grand Boulevard and Natural Bridge Road.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Unfortunately, much of the properties zoned for commercial are vacant and are in need of redevelopment. Development guided by a community Form-based code or a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) could create dense and affordable housing immediately adjacent to the improvements and park.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Due to the speed of vehicles and the potential points of confusion, this corridor needs an elevated or protected bikeway with new sidewalks and improved pedestrian and bicycle crossing. Intersections with bicycle facilities should be designed to reduce conflict between vulnerable users and vehicles by increasing visibility, denoting a clear right-of-way, and facilitating eye contact and awareness with competing transportation modes.
ST. LOUIS AVENUE: NORTH GRAND BOULEVARD TO 14TH STREET
EQUITY A corridor isn’t simply described as equitable because it goes through north St. Louis. The St. Louis Avenue corridor of Connecting St. Louis is equitable because it bridges mobility gaps that are prevalent for residents of north St. Louis. Sidewalk and road conditions specifically highlight the infrastructure disinvestment that negatively impact black St. Louisans.
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to multiple bus lines as well as Northside-Southside MetroLink planned expansion.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents to Project Connect and Northside-Southside MetroLink expansion. Project Connect is an action plan being developed by the City of St. Louis and its residents that will connect current initiatives being proposed by both the public and private sector. Project Connect will ensure coordination and collaboration between neighborhood revitalization, transportation, and other re-development efforts and the City’s investments to support the NGA.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) St. Louis Avenue is a primarily residential corridor. Based on general engineering and design standards provided by NACTO, the average daily traffic and width of St. Louis Avenue can accommodate an elevated or protected bikeway along with sidewalk and crossing improvements.
COMPTON AVENUE: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DRIVE TO MARKET STREET
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents directly to multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents to the planned Chouteau Greenway.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The corridor will connect the Saint Louis University and Harris Stowe State University campuses to the Locust Street and Washington Avenue Business Districts. Additionally, this connection would strengthen connections to denser residential neighborhoods in north and south St. Louis. Form-based code or a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) could create dense and affordable housing immediately adjacent to the improvements.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Given the narrow width of Compton Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr Drive and Olive Street, Connecting St. Louis is recommending calm street tools that can create safer conditions without physical separation between modes. Calm streets tools include angled parking, parklets, bump outs, and mid-block crossings. Compton Avenue, between Olive Street and Market Street, is substantially wider and includes a larger sidewalk. This additional width makes it possible for Connecting St. Louis to recommend an elevated or protected bikeway with pedestrian improvements.
COMPTON AVENUE: MARKET STREET TO CHOUTEAU AVENUE
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS The primary reason Compton Avenue between Market Street and Chouteau Avenue was chosen as a recommendation for Connecting St. Louis is due to the planned Compton Bridge improvements by the City of St. Louis. These improvements include a protected bikeway.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Given that this is a planned City of St. Louis project, Connecting St. Louis is supporting the recommendation of the Board of Public Service and Streets.
COMPTON AVENUE: CHOUTEAU AVENUE TO CHEROKEE STREET
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents to multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents to the planned Chouteau Greenway.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The corridor will connect the Saint Louis University and Harris Stowe State University campuses to the Cherokee Street Business District. Additionally, this connection would strengthen connections to denser residential neighborhoods in north and south St. Louis. Form-based code or a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) could create dense and affordable housing immediately adjacent to the improvements.
DENSITY This section of Compton Avenue slices through the densest neighborhoods in the City of St. Louis. Creating a safer facility will benefit thousands of people.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Given the narrow width of Compton Avenue between Chouteau Avenue and Cherokee Street, Connecting St. Louis is recommending calm street tools that can create safer conditions without physical separation between modes. Calm streets tools include angled parking, parklets, bump outs, and mid-block crossings.
VANDEVENTER AVENUE: SARAH STREET TO TOWER GROVE AVENUE
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This section of Vandeventer would play a large role in connecting residents to the new Cortex MetroLink Station as well as multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This section of Vandeventer would play a large role in connecting residents to the existing and future phases of the Chouteau Greenway.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT This section of Vandeventer Avenue is largely vacant or zoned for industrial use. The corridor is ripe for redevelopment guided by the form-based code developed by Park Central Development in Forest Park Southeast.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Vandeventer Avenue is a wide corridor with large sidewalks. This situation creates an opportunity to develop an elevated protected bikeway. Additionally, because of the Tower Grove Avenue intersection, considerable accommodation must be added to increase pedestrian and bicycle safety.
SARAH STREET: VANDEVENTER AVENUE TO CHOUTEAU GREENWAY
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This section of Sarah Street would play a large role in connecting residents to the new Cortex MetroLink Station as well as multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This section of Vandeventer would play a large role in connecting residents to the existing and future phases of the Chouteau Greenway.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT This section of Sarah Street is a combination of new mixed-use developments and industrial properties. A facility in this corridor would play a large role in creating a cohesive mobility network between The Grove on Manchester Avenue and the Cortex neighborhood to the north.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Given the narrow width of Sarah Street between Vandeventer Avenue and the Chouteau Greenway, Connecting St. Louis is recommending calm street tools that can create safer conditions without physical separation between modes of transportation. Calm street tools include angled parking, parklets, bump-outs, and mid-block crossings. There are certain segments of Sarah Street that can accommodate a dedicated bike lane. These should be considered in places of high-stress or conflict.
LAFAYETTE AVENUE: TRUMAN PARKWAY TO COMPTON AVENUE
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This section of Lafayette Avenue would play a large role in connecting residents to the proposed MetroLink expansion as well as multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This section of Lafayette Avenue would play a role in connecting residents to the existing and future phases of the Chouteau Greenway.
DENSITY Lafayette Avenue slices through dense neighborhoods. Improvements along Lafayette Avenue would benefit thousands of residents.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) The Lafayette Avenue corridor is a diverse corridor of housing and commercial uses that connects multiple neighborhoods going east and west. Connecting St. Louis is recommending a protected or elevated bikeway.
TOWER GROVE AVENUE: VANDEVENTER AVENUE TO MAGNOLIA AVENUE
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This section of Tower Grove Avenue would play a large role in connecting residents to the new Cortex MetroLink Station as well as multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This section of Tower Grove Avenue would play a role in connecting residents to the existing and future phases of the Chouteau Greenway.
DENSITY Tower Grove Avenue is one of the highest-used bicycle corridors in the St. Louis region. This corridor is a vital north and south connection to residents of south St. Louis to job centers like the Cortex and Barnes Jewish Medical Center.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Connecting St. Louis is recommending consolidating the existing two bike lanes into a single protected or elevated bikeway. Given the proximity to both the Missouri Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park, this bikeway should include consideration to horticultural resources. This configuration will not require any removal of travel or parking lanes.
TRUMAN PARKWAY: CHOUTEAU AVENUE TO LAFAYETTE AVENUE
EQUITY The Truman Parkway corridor of Connecting St. Louis is equitable because it bridges mobility gaps that are prevalent for residents of these neighborhoods. This recommended facility will directly connect residents of Peabody and LaSalle Park to job and cultural centers.
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This section of Truman Parkway would play a role in connecting residents to the existing and future expansions of MetroLink.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This section of Truman Parkway would play a large role in connecting residents to the existing and future phases of the Chouteau Greenway.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Connecting St. Louis is recommending an elevated shared use path along the existing park space as a natural buffer. This would resemble what is commonly referred to as a greenway. This facility would create a natural connection from Lafayette Avenue to Chouteau Avenue into Downtown St. Louis.
CHOUTEAU AVENUE: TRUMAN PARKWAY TO TUCKER BOULEVARD
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This section of Chouteau Avenue would play a large role in connecting residents to existing MetroLink stations and future expansions as well as multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This section of Chouteau Avenue would play a large role in connecting residents to the future phases of the Chouteau Greenway.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT This section of Chouteau Avenue is largely zoned for industrial or mixed-use development. The corridor is ripe for redevelopment guided by neighborhood input.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Connecting St. Louis is recommending a protected or elevated bikeway on this section of Chouteau Avenue. Chouteau Avenue is a significant connection for commuters traveling through the central corridor. Making improvements to this section as well as intersection improvements throughout will lower conflict points and high-stress interactions.
BROADWAY: CHOUTEAU AVENUE TO SIDNEY STREET
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents to existing MetroLink Stations as well as multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS This section of Vandeventer would play a large role in connecting residents to the existing and future phases of the Chouteau Greenway.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) Connecting St. Louis is recommending a protected or elevated bikeway for Broadway between Sidney Street and Chouteau Avenue. This will connect residents and visitors with a safe connection to Downtown St. Louis, Soulard Market, and Anheuser-Busch Brewery.
TUCKER BOULEVARD: CHOUTEAU AVENUE TO WASHINGTON AVENUE
CONNECTIONS TO TRANSIT This portion of Connecting St. Louis will lead residents to existing MetroLink stations and multiple bus lines.
LEVERAGING OTHER PLANS AND PROJECTS The Tucker Boulevard bikeway will leverage the planned Chouteau Greenway along with private developments to create a connection between Downtown and Chouteau Avenue.
DENSITY Creating a connection across the railroad tracks into Downtown St. Louis will create a single protected connection between South St. Louis and Downtown. This will concentrate a large number of bicyclists and pedestrians on Tucker Boulevard.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (Pending Engineering & Design Studies) The Tucker Boulevard bikeway is a unique opportunity among Connecting St. Louis corridors. Connecting St. Louis is recommending a protected or elevated bikeway between Washington Avenue and Chouteau Avenue. Tucker Boulevard has the potential to be implemented quickly and show the benefits of a protected bikeway through the center of Downtown St. Louis.