urbanSTL

I remember riding down Tower Grove in the spring of 2023 confidently telling my friends that they were starting construction in the fall

It is so embarassing for the city how they haven't started this project promised for years. Unlike the other protected bikelines they're working on North Grand and Market st, this is actually a popular bicycle route and yet it looks exactly the same as it ever has. 

They have also just let the road surface deteriorate to embarrassing/dangerous levels. It's a moonscape right now.

It was out for bid on the SLDC plan room. Think bidding has closed, so const. start anytime now. 

But yes, these infrastructure upgrades have been dragging. IMO, Jones could've swept if arterials and safety improvements were donea year earlier than expected completion. 

They are currently ripping down most of the trees on that side of the street, hopefully that is a sign of things starting. I will miss those shady mature oaks though.

^ I was kind of shocked this  morning to see that.... I thought the past few days they were doing trimming but then realized, oh, they're chopping them down!

Off topic but the City really needs to have some sort of policy about trying to preserve mature shade-providing trees when possible, especially with climate change. I know about the ash borer and all that but over the last few years we've lost a lot of tree cover and the replacements are always small seedlings. 

These trees?

They also just released this call for artists to install a mural under I-44 (which I think will be a fantastic addition): https://www.towergroveconnector.com/public-art
The PDF linked from that site says that construction will be starting June 2025. Between this, the removal of trees and the end of bidding, I feel good about this finally breaking ground very soon.

^ hopefully so!

^^ no. the gigantic trees abutting MOBOT's historic stone wall. 

There was a group of BPS and Streets folks out there looking at things and talking last Thursday afternoon. Hopefully that is an additional good sign.

STLrainbow wrote: ↑

Apr 17, 2025

^^ no. the gigantic trees abutting MOBOT's historic stone wall. 

Isn't that the MOBOT historic stone wall right there?

Re. the trees: This is on Reddit (and supposedly from the Shaw FB group): 

J S wrote: ↑

Apr 17, 2025

Re. the trees: This is on Reddit (and supposedly from the Shaw FB group): Screenshot (25).png

Good explanation.  Lets start moving dirt. Best time to do it was 3 years ago, but lets get going now.

quincunx wrote: ↑

Apr 17, 2025

STLrainbow wrote: ↑

Apr 17, 2025

^^ no. the gigantic trees abutting MOBOT's historic stone wall. 

Isn't that the MOBOT historic stone wall right there?

Yeah there are mature trees where the flower beds are pictured on the left and then again farther up the road. 

I've been tracking this project for what seems like 3 or 4 years, and heard it was "definitely" going to get started last year. Now it's mid-2025 and I'm curious if anyone with any real context can help me understand when this work will begin in earnest? I am sad about the loss of those trees, but recognize that we weren't going to get a 2 way cycle track in there with them there (or maybe we could have, I'm no expert). I google the project about once per week but do not see anything suggesting when work will really begin. 

Thanks!

Website now says construction in 2026. St. Louis’s ability to execute a streets project may rank last place in the world for a city its size. Embarrassing.

addxb2 wrote: ↑

May 14, 2025

Website now says construction in 2026. St. Louis’s ability to execute a streets project may rank last place in the world for a city its size. Embarrassing.

...you have got to be kidding me....wtaf.....

addxb2 wrote: ↑

May 14, 2025

Website now says construction in 2026. St. Louis’s ability to execute a streets project may rank last place in the world for a city its size. Embarrassing.

Website says June 2025 for me. IDK where you see 2026

Raceman95 wrote:

addxb2 wrote: ↑

May 14, 2025

Website now says construction in 2026. St. Louis’s ability to execute a streets project may rank last place in the world for a city its size. Embarrassing.

Website says June 2025 for me. IDK where you see 2026

“As of October 2024, Design of Phase 2 continues to progress according to schedule. Integrating feedback from the Public Open House, Phase 2 design is expected to be completed in 2025 with construction following in 2026.”

Under phase 2. https://www.towergroveconnector.com/abouttheproject

I see that I read the page incorrectly now.

addxb2 wrote: ↑

May 14, 2025

Raceman95 wrote:

addxb2 wrote: ↑

May 14, 2025

Website now says construction in 2026. St. Louis’s ability to execute a streets project may rank last place in the world for a city its size. Embarrassing.

Website says June 2025 for me. IDK where you see 2026

“As of October 2024, Design of Phase 2 continues to progress according to schedule. Integrating feedback from the Public Open House, Phase 2 design is expected to be completed in 2025 with construction following in 2026.”

Under phase 2. https://www.towergroveconnector.com/abouttheproject

I see that I read the page incorrectly now.

Yup. Phase 2 is the section of Sarah, not Tower Grove Ave / Vandy

Michael Browning mentioned “next couple months” under construction in the March 2025 edition of the Griffin newspaper.

Looking back at the project (Connecting St. Louis) that inspired both Tucker Boulevard and the Tower Grove Connector. The plan put together by Trailnet supported by membership dues, private gifts/donations, and talented planners on staff (myself included). Tucker wasn't real until Cotar committed $30K to complete initial engineering. Tower Grove wasn't real until Arch to Park's Jason Hall was Trailnet's Gala speaker. Trailnet deserves to see these projects come to life.... finally.

It's Happening, People! This Is Not A Drill!

KMOV had a report and City is saying work should start this month on Phase One (South end(
https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/06/04/ ... k-midtown/