About the Project
St. Louis City, Missouri
CBB completed roadway design improvements on the $19 million Kiener Plaza renovations. The redesign of Kiener Plaza comes in conjunction with the $380 million Gateway Arch Grounds renovation, coordinated by CityArchRiver. The goal of this project is to ‘better connect downtown’s urban fabric, be flexible for events year-round, and offer new urban park amenities,’ according to CityArchRiver. As a hub for visitors to the downtown amenities, this park serves as an important public space for the City of St. Louis and the downtown community.
The updated Kiener Plaza includes wide shaded sidewalks, a large central lawn, interactive fountains, including a new fountain for the ‘Runner’ statue, bicycle parking, a woodland garden, and café seating. In addition to a comfortable park environment, it is imperative transportation moves efficiently and safely around the area as renovations are complete. CBB was responsible for designing the transportation enhancements around the park, including upgrades for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorists, totaling $1.25 million in CMAQ funded construction costs.
CBB designed traffic signal improvements at five signals surrounding the park including new signal controllers, ADA upgrades—curb ramps and sidewalks, and updated signal infrastructure to replace the current hardware. The signal arms along Chestnut and a portion of Broadway were designed with the ability to swivel away from the road to accommodate parades and other special events. As a part of the sidewalk improvements, CBB designed curb “bulb outs,” where appropriate, to enhance pedestrian visibility and shorten crossing distances. CBB’s plans include updated medians and midblock crossings, in addition to new bicycle facilities—a parking protected bicycle lane on Chestnut and the City’s first bike signal at 6th and Chestnut, as well as wireless sensor detection for bicycles. Several roadways will be milled and resurfaced including Market Street, which will be striped for back-in, angled parking adjacent to the plaza.
The transportation improvements are an important part of this park upgrade, as they will help visitors travel to, from and through the park in a safe, efficient, and inviting manner. Project partners include Great Rivers Greenway, CityArchRiver Foundation, and the City of St. Louis.
