Last modified: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 5:27 PM CDT

City shows residents next phase of street plan

By Todd Smith

The city of Maplewood provided residents a chance last Wednesday to see plans for street and sidewalk improvements to Manchester Road from Big Bend Boulevard to just west of Laclede Station Road.

Steve Mosley, a Maplewood resident and pastor of Maplewood Baptist Church, said he thinks the project is a good idea because it will widen the traffic lanes.

"I live on Laclede Station Road, and there really needs to be a left-turn lane on Manchester Road," he said.

John Openlander, Maplewood assistant city manager, said the project - the second phase of a three-phase project, calls for a left-turn lane at the Manchester-Laclede Station intersection and another left-turn lane at Oakland Avenue. The project also calls for lengthening the left-turn lane on eastbound Manchester to northbound Hanley Road.

He said the project is needed to help make Manchester flow better through Maplewood.

Openlander said lanes will be expanded to 11 feet from 10 feet, with new curbs and guttering. Sidewalks and landscaping will be improved as well.

"Right now the sidewalk is right next to the curbs," Openlander said.

The new sidewalk will be away from the curb, with a lawn area for planting.

"This will be a more comfortable walk as people head to the MetroLink station," Openlander said.

Lee Cannon, traffic engineering consultant for the project from Crawford, Bunte, Brammeier, said the new sidewalks and curbs will comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards

He said another major feature is that there will be a traffic signal at the fire department driveway tied with the existing signal at Oakland Avenue, so that firefighters can respond quickly and safely to emergency situations.

Some parking is going to be eliminated in front of Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School.

"This area is unsafe parking," Openlander said. "When people pull out, they go directly onto a busy road."

Openlander pointed out there is parking directly behind City Hall and to the east and west of City Hall. He said the city does intend to add more parking west of City Hall.

Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2008 and will be completed in October 2009. Manchester will be open during construction, and work may be done during off-peak hours.

The price tag is about $1.5 million. The federal government will put in just over $1 million, or 80 percent; the city will put up $446,865, or 20 percent.

Resident Shawn Hair said, "This is an excellent idea. Manchester Road is very narrow, and there is definitely not a lack of traffic."

The third phase calls for improvements on Manchester, from just west of Laclede Station to Hanley Road. This project would include curb and gutter work, sidewalk and turn-lane improvements.

The city has applied for funding through the East-West Gateway Council of Governments and is awaiting approval.

Phase one for Manchester improvements was completed in the summer of 2004 at a cost of $1.4 million. This phase included curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements, installation of five traffic signals and repaving the street, from the St. Louis city limit to Big Bend.

The period of public comment and reviewing for phase two extends through June 29. Those who want to learn more about the project may call Openlander at (314) 645-3600 or e-mail j-openlander@ci.maplewood.mo.us.

You can contact Todd Smith at tosmith@yourjournal.com.