There was a fun, interesting event at the Trestle recently. If you don’t know about the Trestle, or the Trestle project, don’t feel alone. Last months event was, for many people, their introduction to this project. The event, Elevate St. Louis: The Trestle, was hosted by Great Rivers Greenway, the owner since 2005 of the Trestle. Trailnet played an early role through the Confluence Partnership in our support of its acquisition through our partner, Trust for Public Land.
[Great Rivers Greenway District (GRG) is the three-county tax-supported park and recreation district leading the development of the region-wide system of greenways, parks and trails known as The River Ring.]
The Trestle is a 1.5 mile abandoned railroad alignment. It’s the same railroad alignment that connects from the McKinley Bridge to Branch Street. The Trestle project begins at Branch Street where it will connect with the Riverfront Trail and the McKinley Bridge Bikeway. It was renovated in 2007 as part of the McKinley Bridge Bikeway. The Trestle is elevated above North Market Street adjacent to Produce Row, and crosses Highway 70 from the Old North St. Louis neighborhood.
For some interesting information on the vision for the Trestle, GRG’s Trestle Brochure can be downloaded from this page.
An abandoned railroad alignment can make for a lovely public space – in this case it comes with some amazing and unique views of our downtown. If you’ve been on the High Line in New York you know these spaces can be developed in distinctive and exciting ways. How great for St. Louis!
Trailnet also turns its attention to our cityscape as we prepare for this Sunday’s popular Bike St. Louis City Tour. Something that many cyclists love about our rural rides – those feelings of freedom and of experiencing new sights and sounds – are just as present on this urban ride. City streets are remarkably quiet on Sunday mornings, and these routes of 23, 29, or 36 miles, feature some of our most distinctive neighborhoods and destinations – including the velodrome in Penrose Park.
If it’s not already in your plans, consider this ride this weekend. It’s a fun ride that will refresh your admiration for some of St. Louis’s most alluring sights.
Ann Mack