Tower Grove Connector

Connecting vibrant neighborhoods with safe routes for all users.

The Tower Grove Connector is a 1.8-mile protected cycle track connecting Tower Grove Park and Cortex, improving safety, access, and mobility for people walking, biking, and traveling through the corridor.

The Project

The Tower Grove Connector creates a safer, more connected route between neighborhoods, cultural destinations, transit, and job centers.

In addition to the cycle track, the project includes:

• Intersection and traffic signal improvements
• Traffic management upgrades
• Repaving of Tower Grove Avenue
• Sidewalk and crosswalk safety improvements

The project builds on years of community-led planning, including Trailnet’s Connecting St. Louis Plan, and follow-up studies led by Arch to Park and the Cortex Innovation Community.

Phase 1

Tower Grove Avenue + Vandeventer Avenue
Tower Grove Park to Sarah Street

• $5.59M federal CMAQ grant (awarded 2020)
• Design began in 2021
• Construction began June 2025
• Expected completion: Summer 2026

Phase 1 creates protected space for biking along one of the region’s busiest corridors while improving access to transit, jobs, and nearby neighborhoods.

Construction note:Temporary impacts may include parking removal, lane shifts, and sidewalk closures as work progresses from south to north.

For construction updates, contact:Larry Neuhaus — vog.om-siuolts@lsuahuen

Phase 2

Sarah StreetVandeventer Avenue to the Brickline Greenway

• $3.42M federal CMAQ grant (awarded 2022)
• Design began in 2023
• 60% design shared at public open house (May 22, 2024)
• Final design expected in 2025
• Construction anticipated in 2026

Phase 2 links the Connector to the Brickline Greenway and improves access to job centers and cultural institutions throughout the City.

Design Highlights

Protected Cycle Track

• Two-way, sidewalk-level cycle track
• Physically separated from traffic by curb and buffer
• Dedicated bike signals
• Runs along Tower Grove Avenue, Vandeventer Avenue, and Sarah Street

Walking & Safety Improvements

• ADA-compliant crosswalk upgrades
• Pedestrian signals with countdown timers
• Raised mid-block crosswalks on Tower Grove Avenue
• Safer driveway crossings along Vandeventer Avenue

Intersection & Traffic Upgrades

• Simplified five-way intersection at Tower Grove, Vandeventer, and Central Industrial Drive
• New traffic signals connected to the City’s Traffic Management Center
• Improved traffic flow and reduced congestion

Community Involvement

Community input has shaped the Tower Grove Connector from the beginning and continues to guide design decisions.

Public engagement has resulted in:

• Maintained parking on Vandeventer Avenue
• Added trees and landscaping
• Larger buffers between cars, cyclists, and pedestrians
• A new center turn lane to improve safety and reduce congestion
• Three new raised mid-block crosswalks on Tower Grove Avenue

Join the mailing list to learn about upcoming meetings, feedback opportunities, and project updates.

Public Art: I-44 Overpass

A site-specific public artwork is planned beneath the I-44 overpass at Tower Grove Avenue as part of the project.

The artwork will:

• Create a welcoming gateway
• Reflect surrounding neighborhoods and institutions
• Reinforce the Connector as safe, well-lit, and cared for

Three artists were selected through a national process, with a final concept expected in January 2026 and installation anticipated later in 2026.