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St. Charles Gateways

TIGER IV Discretionary Grant Application

Project Description

At the beginning of the 21st Century, our nation faces challenges unlike any other time in our history. From infrastructure needs, to foreign oil import levels, to U.S. jobs competing in a global economy, to the loss of historic neighborhoods, the challenges span from the globe to our backyards.

The Saint Charles Gateways project is a nationally significant transportation initiative to address each of these profound challenges by demonstrating the value of livable communities through strategic infrastructure investments. Requested TIGER funds are intended to provide the infrastructure necessary to spur sustainable redevelopment in the City's downtown core and reduce the demand for costly highway expansion needed to support suburban sprawl.

TIGER funding would transform the primary transportation corridor to downtown from Fifth Street through First Capitol Drive (referred to as “the corridor”) into a Complete Street that will serve as a 1.7 mile multimodal backbone for the entire downtown core. The two streets comprise one coherent, integrated corridor that serves a population within walking (1/4 mile) and biking (1/2 mile) distance of approximately 10,000 people, 17,000 students, and more than 5,000 employees.

The project consists of conversion of the Fifth Street/First Capitol Drive corridor to a Complete Street that interfaces with the surrounding land-uses between Interstate 70 and Lindenwood University. This Complete Street system will contain the following key components:

  • Conversion and upgrade of the Fifth Street/First Capitol Drive corridor to a consistent enhanced three-lane section with bicycle lanes; including a three to four-lane road diet for First Capitol Drive; and
  • A consistent streetscape of 10-16 feet that includes street trees in wells and wide sidewalks; and
  • Implementation of a portion of the bike route established by the regional Gateway Bike Plan; and
  • A 3,100 square foot Multi-Modal Transportation Center that accommodates bicycle commuters, local SCAT bus service, and provides a connection to the regional MetroLink light-rail service; and
  • Relocation and/or burial of existing overhead power and communication lines to accommodate an expanded sidewalk zone and improve overall aesthetics; and
  • A pedestrian bridge spanning First Capitol Drive to safely connect pedestrians from the main campus of Lindenwood University to its planned 400-unit dormitory and the corridor; and
  • Enhanced pedestrian crosswalks at every major intersection including HAWK Signals at two unsignalized pedestrian crosswalks; and
  • New gateway signage, landscaping, and wayfinding throughout the corridor.

Project Costs

Roadway Improvements: $5,850,000
Sidewalk/Streetscape: $3,410,000
Undergrounding Utilities¹: $2,850,000
Multi-Modal Transportation Center: $1,750,000
Pedestrian Bridge: $1,500,000
Total Project Costs: $15,360,000

Sources of Funding

City of St. Charles: $3,860,000
Lindenwood University: $1,350,000
SSM-St. Joseph Health Center: $150,000
TIGER 4 Request: $10,000,000
Total Project Cost: $15,360,000

¹The City of Saint Charles is committed to cover 100% of the cost for undergrounding utilities.

This project would complement a form-based SmartCode that the City is adopting to encourage sustainable redevelopment and livable neighborhoods in the corridor.

Project Highlights

  • Provides nationally significant model for livable communities that promote an active lifestyle and reduce long-term infrastructure needs.
  • Comprehensive approach to sustainable transportation including land-use policy, complete streets, and modal choice.
  • Multi-modal transportation center integrates local/regional public transit and the regional trail system to provide alternative commuting options.
  • Leverages private investment to generate economic redevelopment, new jobs, and preserve the unique character of a nationally historic community.

Project Application and Related Documents (PDF files)
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