urbanSTL

Extension of Grant's Trail into Downtown Kirkwood. 

Excerpts from Kirkwood City Newsletter:

"After several months of study and community coordination, a route from the Grant’s Trail trailhead in southeast Kirkwood to downtown has been approved by the City Council. Once complete, the route will provide a great greenway experience, connecting the highly used Grant’s Trail and restaurants and businesses in downtown Kirkwood."

"There is no guarantee of the project receiving funding, but it is the project that was developed with input of all parties from the public to railroad representatives. The preferred route does not require the trail to parallel active rail operations, but it does require purchase of the spur, as well as replacement of two rail crossings, and coordination with adjacent property owners. Ultimately the option selected resulted in an overall lower estimated project cost, that minimizes risks of the project, and accommodated property owner comments as much as possible." 

"This route was submitted to East West Gateway Council of Governments for grant funding earlier this February.  If successful, construction would begin in a few years."

Outstanding study done by the City of Kirkwood.  Lots of public input.  Frustration with Railroads who claimed they must retain part of the spur they haven't used in decades.  I love that the front cover shows a portion of track with trees between the rails.  In light of all constraints, they picked the right path for now.  And it can be implemented in stages.

This path would be far superior to the current route on busy Holmes Ave to Monroe with heavy car traffic, a steep hill at one of 2 two rail crossings, and no bike lanes.

Here is a link to the final study:
https://www.kirkwoodmo.org/home/showpublisheddocument/9872/637794136358170000

For the route selected, this study estimates the cost at $9.45 million.

YES! YES! YES! Possibly the most obvious infrastructure project in the region. DTK should start shoring up their bike infrastructure (lanes, bike racks, etc..) now in preparation. 

If was a bike themed business looking to open another location DTK would be on the shortlist with the project finally happening. Looking at you Bike Stop Cafe, Cursed Bikes and Coffee, and Road Crew Bikes and Coffee.

This Kirkwood expansion of Grant's Trail is one of the most exciting developments for all bike riders in STL.

Being able to bike directly into a walkable eating/shopping district is an awesome and welcome change.

With future trail constructions of Brickline Greenway you could potentially one day bike from Kirkwood to Downtown all on protected bike paths!

It's nice to extend the amount of trail that is along the railroad but this isn't much of a game-changer. The ride up Holmes to Argonne and then west into downtown isn't that far out of the way or dangerous in my opinion.

Yesterday, Kirkwood had an open house on Phase 2 of the Grant's Trail Extension into downtown Kirkwood.  Details can be found at links on this page.  https://www.kirkwoodmo.org/government/departments/public-services/engineering/grant-s-trail

The work will be done in 2 phases, I believe all to be paid for with Kirkwood city taxes and some matching federal funds.  Not GRG or East/West Gateway.  Construction on Phase 1, the West phase, is planned to start winter of 2027.  No word on dates for phase 2.  The precise route was chosen by Kirkwood City back in 2021.  So I'll be surprised if it is finished this decade or that I'll be able to ride it in my lifetime.

I really like the design they came up with.  It solves multiple problems with getting from Kirkwood to the current west end of Grant's trail.  Takes advantage of unused rail ROW, bypasses the steep railroad crossing on Holmes, nicely uses the existing railroad signals at the Grant's trail West parking lot, includes little used Elliott Ave to get to the unused rail ROW.  Keeps bikes and pedestrians off of high traffic Holmes street altogether. 

Here is a map of what is planned: