ST. LOUIS – With over 2,000 crashes occurring along Jefferson Avenue in the past several years, the City of St. Louis gave the public an opportunity Thursday evening to voice their opinions on the Jefferson Avenue Principal Arterial Traffic Safety Improvements Project.
“The north section of Jefferson, north of Market Street, was already reconstructed in the last two years. So, for this project, the south portion of Jefferson, south of Chouteau to Chippewa, will be repaved (and) re-stripped and there will be some additional safety features (as well as) construction in some locations,” Scott Ogilvie with St. Louis’ Planning and Urban Design Agency said.
The open house was led by the City of St. Louis and CBB Transportation Engineers and Planners, the city’s consulting partner for the project. There were several displays detailing the planned improvements and current issues along Jefferson Avenue. With 50, 000 vehicles traveling on Jefferson Avenue daily, speed and safety are primary concerns.
“I fear for it because, like, school is about to start and kids will be at the bus stops, crossing streets—and they don’t go by the signs. They don’t stop; they speed,” resident Michelle Brooks, said.
Data shows that 60 percent of drivers exceed the speed limit by at least 5 mph, contributing to a high number of rear-end and right-angle crashes. One resident stated that he was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle, noting what could’ve prevented the accident.
“Something like a curb cutout could really improve their safety. It can reduce the length of their crossing. They can go from one side to another without risking being struck by a vehicle,” Phil Shreckshse said.
The project aims to address and improve these issues by implementing several safety measures, including milling and paving, ADA-complainant curb ramps, enhanced crosswalks, and raised medians to reduce roadway conflicts.
The next phase of this project, which is the final construction phase, is set to begin in the winter of 2024 and be completed by the fall of 2026.
To submit your feedback on Jefferson Avenue, you can click here.
