Committee backs stop signs, crossings for Hodiamont Greenway segment

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee on Wednesday recommended passage of Board Bill 149 to establish two-way stop controls at the Hodiamont Avenue crossing of the old Hodiamont rail tracks and approve related pedestrian and cycling improvements adjacent to Gwen Giles Park.

Committee members said the measure responds to community requests to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety at a mid-block Greenway crossing and will be part of the broader Hodiamont Greenway project being led by Great Rivers Greenway.

Great Rivers Greenway project manager Kulia Bruce and consultant Alonzo Washington described the first phase of a multi-phase trail that will follow the former Hodiamont tracks and connect several neighborhoods and two other greenways. Bruce said the final design for the phase is expected in spring 2025, with construction planned to start in summer 2025 and conclude in winter 2025.

The project as presented will add a mid-block crossing and a two-way cycle track (to be installed by St. Louis City), a road diet with curb bump-outs, high-visibility crosswalk markings, pathway and overhead lighting, and trailhead and pavilion features inside Gwen Giles Park. The design proposes 45-degree back‑in parking north of the crossing, including two van-accessible parking spaces. Bruce said the team originally proposed a pedestrian hybrid beacon (a flashing pedestrian signal) but — following community input — now recommends full stop signs in both northbound and southbound directions to require vehicles to stop at the crossing.

Supporters said community engagement dating to 2018 shaped the change. Bruce said stakeholders reported faster-moving traffic at that stretch and asked for a full stop rather than a flashing beacon. The team told the committee the stop signs are low-cost, low-maintenance and said adding stop sign control can reduce crash injuries at the location — the presentation cited an estimated minimum reduction of about 20 percent, as framed by the project consultant.

Committee members asked few technical questions; Vice Chair Browning said she preferred stop signs to hybrid beacons and praised the community-collaboration element. Alderwoman Shamim Clark Hubbard, sponsor of the bill, called the project a community-led safety and access improvement.

The committee recorded a motion for a "do pass" recommendation. The motion was moved by the alderwoman from the 11th Ward and seconded by an alderman from the 9th Ward; the roll call recorded five yes votes and no recorded dissents, producing a favorable recommendation to the full Board of Aldermen.

The measure will return to the Board of Aldermen for final consideration; project partners told the committee the city will install the cycle track segment and Great Rivers Greenway will build the greenway mainline and park loop as described.