Old St. Louis Railroad Trestle May Become a Park

Just as Witold Rybczynski declares New York's High Line un-copyable, St. Louis announces plans for a linear park on top of an old railroad trestle

1 minute read

May 19, 2011, 1:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


The Great Rivers Greenway District purchased the trestle, which is just north of downtown, in 2004. They are now working to put together the $50 million they need to turn the old infrastructure into a lush pedestrian and bike path.

The district plans to develop a conservancy to raise funds for building and maintaining the trestle, said Susan K. Trautman, executive director of the District, but she wouldn't pinpoint a precise time when they'll do so.

Cynthia Billharz Gregorian reports:

"Plans call for The Trestle, as it will be known, to link to The River Ring, a web of interconnected greenways, parks and trails that will eventually be about 600 miles long and reach into the Metro East and St. Charles County.

"But we want the trestle to be a park experience, more than just a way to get from one point to another," [Susan K. Trautman, executive director of the District] said. "We want people to stop and explore the working riverfront, such as Produce Row and the recycling industries.""

Thanks to Todd Antoine

Friday, May 13, 2011 in St. Louis Post Dispatch

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30 - Yale Environment 360