The public is invited to attend an open house as part of the design engineering process for the Tower Grove Connector, a 1.4-mile protected cycle track that will connect Tower Grove Park with Forest Park Southeast in St. Louis, Mo.
As part of the project, other funded improvements include:
sidewalk & crosswalk improvements
intersection improvements
new traffic signals
traffic management upgrades
repaving of Tower Grove Avenue
This vital connection is aimed to improve one of the busiest bike routes in the region by helping to improve access to public transit and job centers, while reducing traffic congestion.
"The Tower Grove Connector is a special project because it upgrades one of St. Louis’ busiest on-street bike corridors and creates a safe, all abilities bike facility with dramatically better amenities for pedestrians and people riding bikes," said Scott Ogilvie, City of St. Louis’ program manager for Complete Streets.
The Open House will take place at the Piper Palm House located in Tower Grove Park (4271 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63110). Registration is not required but encouraged. There are two time slots to choose from on Wednesday, July 14: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
"The Open House is a great opportunity for the community to learn about the exciting improvements and share their ideas for the Connector," said vice president of Greater St. Louis, Inc., Sarah Arnosky. “For years, the community has called for the mobility improvements associated with this project, and it's finally happening!”
A summary of comments, feedback and frequently asked questions will be shared on the project website following the sessions. Comments and feedback can also be submitted to info@towergroveconnector.com.
The Tower Grove Connector grew out of community engagement efforts that began in 2016. In 2020, the project was awarded a $5.59 million federal grant through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. Design and engineering of the project began in 2021.
A future phase of the project proposes to extend the protected cycle track north along Sarah Street to the Brickline Greenway at the Cortex MetroLink Station. This will link the north-south corridor to the greenway running east-west, providing walkers and bikers access to job centers and cultural institutions throughout the city.
Tower Grove Connector project partners include the City of St. Louis, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Lochmueller Group, Missouri Botanical Garden, Park Central Development, SWT Design, Tower Grove Park and Trailnet.
For more information about the Tower Grove Connector, visit www.towergroveconnector.com.