St. Louis Studying Ambitious, $2.2 Billion MetroLink Proposal

The city of St. Louis is taking the first official steps toward the ambitious Northside-Southside MetroLink proposal.

1 minute read

February 27, 2017, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


St. Louis

Paul Sableman / Flickr

Leah Thorsen reports on the early efforts to evaluate a proposed Northside-Southside MetroLink route in St. Louis.

Early into the study, according to Thorsen, "a main focus is learning what has changed since the route last was examined in 2008" while looking for ways to "connect to the $1.75 billion National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency headquarters set to be built just northwest of downtown…"

Thorsen quotes Dan Meyers, a project manager with AECOM, which is leading the consulting team for the study, to explain the initial steps of the study. One early benchmark to look for is a community engagement plan—expected to be implemented as early as April or May.

Thorsen also describes the current, speculative vision for the project: "A 31-mile route from north St. Louis County through the city and into south St. Louis…with a pricetag estimated at $2.2 billion."

Planetizen last checked in with the Northside-Southside project in June 2016, when the long-serving mayor of the city, Francis Slay, expressed strong support for the project.

Friday, February 24, 2017 in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

portrait of professional woman

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 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 Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Amtrak Acela

How to Make US Trains Faster

Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

2 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Mural showing tools and craft supplies with banner reading 'Things are made here' in front of makerspace in Columbia, Missouri.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs

A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

3 hours ago - Next City

Close-up of wood log with emerald ash borer larvae tracks etched in the wood.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests

The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.

4 hours ago - The Bemidji Pioneer