Safer Streets for St. Louis Communities
Project Overview
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) identified approximately 5.8 miles of Route D (Page Boulevard/ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) in St. Louis City for routine resurfacing. This effort was expanded to include a Road Safety Audit (RSA) during the project development process. The focus of the RSA was improving and promoting safety along the corridor through recommendations for future projects and a comprehensive corridor-wide assessment.
RSA Study Team and Approach
The RSA study team included GBA as a road and traffic consultant, with Shockey Consulting and Trailnet providing public engagement services throughout the study.
Key Project Goals
- Document and Assess Traffic Trends: Evaluate existing traffic patterns and roadway conditions.
- Identify Safety Countermeasures: Propose alternatives to improve corridor safety.
- Community Engagement: Work directly with the community throughout the process to ensure that concerns and aspirations are understood and considered.
Findings and Report
The RSA concluded with a report of the findings from data analysis, the crash history summary, an on-site audit, and public engagement. The ultimate goal of the RSA process was to provide safety improvement options for the upcoming road resurfacing project.
Corridor Challenges
Issues present along Route D have negatively impacted the character of the corridor and neighborhoods. Though Route D primarily serves automobile traffic, the residential, civic, retail, and religious land uses along the corridor generate pedestrian traffic with a wide range of destinations.
Impact on Pedestrian and Biking Behaviors
Pedestrian and biking behaviors have been impacted and most likely suppressed by current conditions but may change with future improvements.
Scope of MoDOT Maintenance Agreement
The RSA accounted for all road users. However, the MoDOT maintenance agreement with St. Louis City is specific to the driving surface, signals, pavement markings, pedestrian signals and signage, and regulatory route signage.