Route 30 (Gravois) signals and striping project

What is the situation?

In 2016, MoDOT has set aside $9 million to update signals along Route 30 (Gravois Avenue) and
resurface the roadway to repair and rejuvenate the failing pavement. During the resurfacing and signal
work, the department has the opportunity to make changes to the roadway striping and signals to better
meet the needs of both residents and commuters along Gravois in the city. In addition, residents have
expressed concern about vehicles traveling at excessive speeds along sections of Gravois, and
requested a more inviting and safe environment for pedestrians and bicycles.

What is the current plan?

MoDOT will upgrade lighting and signals along Gravois at several intersections: Morgan Ford Road,
Arsenal Street, Chippewa Street and Kingshighway Boulevard, Cherokee/Tennessee, Utah/Louisiana,
Compton/Wyoming, Ohio/Lynch, California, Shenandoah/McNair, Russell and 12th/Geyer. The signal
upgrades include pedestrian count down indications and push buttons. MoDOT will also make
pavement repairs and resurface Gravois between the city limits and I-44/Tucker. Since MoDOT is
putting a new surface on the roadway, the department is also recommending reducing the number of
lanes on two sections of Gravois between Christy and Chippewa, and between Jefferson and I-55.
The new striping plan would include bicycle lanes along parts of Gravois, to meet the Bike St. Louis
plan and the citys sustainability goals. Another option is to leave the striping as it is, but that would
not address safety improvements, or accessibility for bicycles or pedestrians.

What are MoDOTs responsibilities on Gravois?

MoDOT has a maintenance agreement with the city of St. Louis for roads within the city limits.
MoDOT is responsible for signals, signs, striping, sweeping and pavement maintenance on Gravois. St.
Louis City retains ownership and responsibility for everything else.

Will any roadways be closed?

Early on, engineers proposed closing some access along Gravois to reduce the number of roads at
intersections. There will be no roadways closed as part of the current plans for Gravois Avenue.

What is the Bike St Louis plan?

Bike St. Louis is a plan established by Great Rivers Greenway in 2004 intended to promote bicycle use
as a viable transportation option and to create or improve bicycle connections from downtown St.
Louis to destinations throughout the region. MoDOT adopted this plan and refers to it as a planning
guide with projects.

Why will a road diet help?

Along Gravois, MoDOT has looked at the traffic volumes and speeds and determined a road diet
would be effective in two places:
1) Between Christy and Chippewa, where the roadway would go from four lanes to three lanes,
and
2) Between Jefferson and I-55, where the roadway would be reduced from six lanes to five lanes.
MoDOT has studied the area and believes a road diet will lower traffic speeds and will increase the
accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians.

Will Metro busses block the roadway in the areas with three lanes?
They shouldnt. Bus stops are identified. Bus stops are signed as no parking zones.

Can more be done?

There has been continuing discussion with the Greater Gravois Initiative, Trailnet and the City of St.
Louis for further improvements along Gravois. MoDOT has no funding identified for further work
along Gravois in the city for the foreseeable future.