Construction of Gravois Greenway (Grant’s Trail) Underway

The greenway expansion project linking Grant’s Trail and the River des Peres Greenway is starting with the construction of an improved trailhead

Construction to extend the Gravois Greenway (Grant’s Trail) and connect it with the River des Peres Greenway began Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, with the closure of the southern trailhead near Orlando’s Event and Conference Center (4300 Hoffmeister Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63125). During construction, greenway users cannot enter or exit the greenway at this location and need to plan their walks, runs or bike rides accordingly.

The last 750 feet of the existing paved route is also closed for about eight months while construction of the improved trailhead is underway. The trailhead improvements include restrooms, benches, landscaping and a play structure.

To lessen the inconvenience to greenway users, Great Rivers Greenway has leased a 16-vehicle parking lot, adjacent to Grant’s Trail at Reavis Barracks Road that will serve as a temporary trailhead. No other trailheads or designated parking areas along the eight-mile Gravois Greenway will be impacted by this construction.

To commemorate the start of this long-awaited greenway expansion, Great Rivers Greenway held a “Last Hurrah” celebration on Saturday Sept. 23. Area residents were invited to stop by the existing trailhead at Orlando’s. Great Rivers Greenway staff was on hand with coffee and information about the project. Thanks to Midwest BankCentre for supply granola bars for those needing a snack after their walk or bike ride!

“People across the region have been eagerly waiting for this project to begin, and we are excited to break ground,” says Megan Riechmann, Great Rivers Greenway Project Manager. “We know that many people use the trailhead at Orlando’s, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we build this new trailhead and expanded greenway for all to enjoy.”

Construction on this first phase of the Gravois Greenway extension is expected to last into spring 2018.

Phase two of the project is scheduled to begin in 2018 and will extend the existing eight-mile Gravois Greenway an additional two miles to connect with the River des Peres Greenway.

Parking Information

There are multiple trailheads and designated parking lots available for people who want to walk, run, or ride a bike on the Gravois Greenway. All are listed below, from north to south starting at the Kirkwood Trailhead at Holmes & Leffingwell to the new temporary Trailhead on Reavis Barracks Road.