Laurel Street / Waterman Boulevard Bridge Reconstruction Project

The Laurel Street/Waterman Boulevard Bridge over MetroLink is a critical connection for the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood that serves vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. This reconstruction project will allow neighborhood connectivity that will benefit the entire community.

Project Location / Description

The 0.1 miles of reconstruction is found on the Laurel Street/Waterman Bridge. The current bridge was built in 1936 and currently holds a deficient bridge rating. Physical divisions such as the MetroLink tracks result in a fragmented neighborhood. The limited entrances and exits to/from the neighborhood provide poor connectivity. Additionally, one-way streets, dead ends, and alleys inhibit cut through traffic but result in poor traffic circulation, causing speeding and traffic flow concerns. The closure of the Laurel/Waterman Bridge would result in the reduction of accessibility between the east and west sides of the neighborhood. Waterman Boulevard is the neighborhood’s Metro bus route, is in close to proximity to Metrolink stations, and is designated as a “Calm Street” or future bicycle boulevard. This project will secure a safe connection for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The new structure will be designed for a minimum 75-year service life.

Project Objectives

Bridge Reconstruction
•    Paved shoulder and sidewalk replacement 

Bicycle and Pedestrian Upgrades
•    Replacement of 5-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of bridge 
•    Curb ramp construction and reconstruction
•    Construction of new crossing at Laurel Street
•    Addition of decorative light poles and luminaries 

Project Budget

Funding for this project is provided by the Federal Off-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation (BRO) Fund, Great Rivers Greenway, and the City of Saint Louis.

•    Preliminary Engineering/Planning/Environmental Studies:    
                      o    Total Cost: $600,000
                                              Federal Funds: $480,000   
                                              Local Funds: $120,000
•    Right of Way (ROW)
                     o    Total Cost: $100,00    
                                              Federal Funds: $80,000
                                              Local Funds: $20,000

•    Construction/ Engineering
                   o    Total Cost: $225,000
                                              Federal Funds: $180,000
                                              Local Funds: $45,000
•    Construction/Implementation
                  o    Total Cost: $3,275,000
                                              Federal Funds: $2,620,000
                                              Local Funds: $655,000

•    Total Cost: $4,200,000
           o    Federal Funds: $3,360,000
           o    Local Funds: $840,000

Project Schedule
•    Engineering Services Contract Submitted and Approved: April 2025 – June 2025
•    Public Meeting/Hearing: April 2026
•    Submit and Receive Approval for Proceed for Right of Way Acquisition 
      (A-Date): August 2026
•    District Approval of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) advertise for bids: September 2027 - October 2027
•    Project Implementation/Construction: March 2028- Feburary 2029

Status

Planning Stage

Start Date

End Date

Project Map

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More Info

Ward

Ward 10

Neighborhood

Skinker DeBaliviere

Documents

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Photos

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