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2023/07/20 - Walter's Blog: Great Streets

Democracy on the Front Lines 
City Administrator’s Blog 
Walter Denton 
 

Hwy. 50 Great Streets Planning Study 

July 24, 2023 

We kicked off our Hwy. 50 Great Streets Planning Study this month. The City of O’Fallon recently received a $500,000 grant to conduct a study of Hwy. 50 from Venita Drive to Scott-Troy Road. Rather than viewing Hwy. 50 as solely a way to move more cars and trucks faster, the goal of Great Streets is to trigger economic and social benefits by centering communities around interesting, lively and attractive streets that serve all modes of transportation. 

For many years, Hwy. 50 was a primary east-west highway to and from St. Louis. I-64 was eventually built, but Hwy. 50 still has characteristics of a highway even though it is now an urban corridor. Portions of Hwy. 50 do not have sidewalks, and there are no bicycle lanes. It is not pedestrian-friendly and can be difficult to cross the street. 

The Great Streets Study will look at methods to improve Hwy. 50 so that it functions as city street and serves the needs of our residents. Last week, the study’s consultants interviewed City Council members and Planning Commission members to listen to ideas and perspectives about the future of Hwy. 50. Community leaders and Hwy. 50 business owners also will be interviewed over the next few months. 

There will also be an opportunity for resident feedback. A kick-off public meeting is scheduled for September 7, and there will be other opportunities for feedback with online surveys and the consultants will attend public events and festivals throughout the year. Stay tuned for details on how you can participate. 

The Great Streets Study will incorporate eight key principles:

 Great Streets Principles

Building a great future for O’Fallon does not happen by accident – it takes planning and deliberate action. This is an exciting project, and I hope you will find a way to get involved.