One of the things I’ve always appreciated about St. Louis is how much easier it has become to explore our city and region outside of a car. Our network of trails and greenways continues to grow, and another significant investment is now on the way.
Great Rivers Greenway recently announced that more than $10.5 million in federal funding has been awarded for three projects involving the Brickline, Hodiamont and Centennial greenways.
The funding includes:
• $7.5 million for the Brickline Greenway
• $1.5 million for the Hodiamont Greenway
• $1.536 million for the Centennial Greenway
The projects will continue expanding and improving connections for people walking, running and biking throughout the St. Louis region.
The largest portion of the funding will go toward the Brickline Greenway, one of the most ambitious projects currently underway in St. Louis. The $7.5 million will help extend the Brickline along Market Street from Tucker Boulevard east to 4th Street.
When completed, the larger Brickline Greenway vision is designed to connect neighborhoods and destinations across the heart of St. Louis, including Forest Park, the Central West End, Grand Center, Downtown and the Gateway Arch.
Another $1.5 million will go toward the Hodiamont Greenway in North St. Louis. This project is particularly interesting because it is transforming the former Hodiamont streetcar right-of-way into a community greenway.
The final $1.536 million will support improvements to the Centennial Greenway in St. Peters, including widening and improving a portion of the existing trail.
Why Greenways Matter to St. Louis
I spend a lot of time talking about walkability when helping people buy and sell homes in St. Louis. For many buyers, the neighborhood surrounding a house is every bit as important as the house itself.
Being able to walk or bike to a park, restaurant, coffee shop, neighborhood business or another part of the city can have a real impact on how people experience where they live.
That’s why I enjoy seeing investments like this.
Greenways aren’t simply recreational trails. Done well, they can create connections between neighborhoods, parks, business districts and cultural destinations that previously felt separated from one another.
They also give residents another way to experience St. Louis.
We have an incredible collection of historic neighborhoods, parks, architecture, restaurants and cultural institutions throughout the region. Creating better pedestrian and bicycle connections between them makes it easier for both residents and visitors to discover more of what St. Louis has to offer.
The three projects receiving this latest round of funding are currently anticipated for construction during the 2029–2030 timeframe.
That may still be a few years away, but projects of this scale take time. It will be exciting to watch the Brickline, Hodiamont and Centennial greenways continue to develop and become part of the larger network connecting the St. Louis region.
For someone who loves St. Louis neighborhoods and believes that walkability and connectivity are important parts of a great city, this is progress I’m looking forward to following.
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