ST. LOUIS – A deadly hit-and-run near the Soulard neighborhood has renewed calls for something to be done at one of the city’s most dangerous intersections.
Police say a female victim of an undisclosed age died in the crash. An unknown driver struck the victim and rushed away from the scene. The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. Sunday near the intersection of Gravois Avenue and Russell Boulevard.
Now, residents and one local leader are again calling for a change.
Charles Moran crosses the intersection every day, and knows how dangerous it can be firsthand.
“I knew somebody was going to get killed; I knew they were. if you’re not on the ball and you’re slower, you don’t have a chance,” he said.
Moran said the lights at Gravois and Russell change too quickly, which means pedestrians—especially those with mobility issues—don’t have enough time to cross. The change happened around five years ago, according to Moran.
“You used to be able to get to that light, go across, and go about your business. But when they changed them lights, they didn’t do anybody no favors,” Moran said.
Residents tell FOX 2 speeding is also a major problem. Nearby resident Tom McLaughlin said while he doesn’t have issues crossing at the intersection, he constantly sees reckless driving in the area.
“People just run stoplights all the time and stop signs, they go very fast and cut people off,” he said.
Alderwoman Cara Spencer represents Ward 8, which includes the Soulard neighborhood, on the St. Louis City Council.
“Reckless driving has gotten completely out of control in St. Louis,” she said.
The intersection has been a problem for years, and past city leaders were aware of it. She feels it’s past time for the city to act.
“It does move too slowly. Look, we’ve identified this as a problem area for many years now. Between American Rescue Plan dollars and MODOT dollars, it’s time we see some of these funds put to work,” she said.
The city is hosting a meeting in two weeks, on April 1, to get feedback from the community on how to make the intersection safer.
Moran feels it’s about time.
“I’m surprised more people haven’t gotten hit or killed; I really am,” he said.
