Work on Gateway Arch overhaul reaches another milestone

  • 2014-12-27
The grounds of the world-famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis are undergoing a $380m renovation.

The work has reached another yardstick in that the bridge across Interstate 44 has been finished. Measuring 274 feet long by 97 feet wide, the bridge will provide the framework for a park that will sit atop it.

Missouri Department of Transportation engineer Deanne Venker said the last project left was to build the drainage system for storm water, then MODOT will leave the rest to landscapers, who will tackle the tasks of installing benches, building pathways, and figuring out how to plant trees on a bridge. The landscaping is expected to be finished by Fall 2015. When it is, Luther Ely Smith Square will run from the Old Courthouse all the way to the grounds at the base of the Arch.

CityArchRiver's chairman, Walter Metcalfe, said the MODOT announcement of the progress is cause for celebration. Metcalfe considers the long stretch from the capital to the Arch to be the connection between the Arch and the city. He praises MODOT for getting so much done so quickly, and with very little disruption to residents.

Olivette is only 17 miles from St. Louis, and residents will want to see the work when it is finished. City officials could work with a banner printing company to create outdoor Banners to hang in the park to celebrate its opening.
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