Construction to bring sidewalks, street lights and other improvements to High Ridge Boulevard will begin next month.
The Jefferson County-operated road, formerly maintained by the state as Gravois Road/Hwy. 30, will get two new sidewalks, a storm sewer system, shoulder repairs and resurfacing, according to county documents.
The 12-month construction project is expected to begin Aug. 21, Jefferson County Public Works director Jason Jonas said.
According to a recent Jefferson County newsletter, the project will cost approximately $3 million.
Jonas said motorists should expect some traffic delays during the construction project.
“Motorists should expect some temporary restrictions during construction, especially on the eastbound lane,” Jonas said.
He said flaggers may be out at certain times to control the flow of traffic.
“There are many elements to the project that benefit the community,” Jonas said.
For example, the street lights will improve nighttime visibility, he said.
Jonas said the boulevard is poorly lit right now, even though many businesses lining the street stay open at night.
The improvements also will include a 5-foot-wide, concrete sidewalk from Community Lane to the High Ridge Civic Center, creating a walkable path from High Ridge Boulevard to the Jefferson County Parks and Recreation facility.
In addition, a 10-foot-wide, concrete shared-use path will run along the boulevard from Crossroads Plaza to Park Road.
Jonas said the path will be suitable for both bicyclists and pedestrian use.
According to county documents, the paths will link several restaurants, salons and churches, the library, the Health Department office, the Post Office, the High Ridge Protection District, and the High Ridge Elementary School.
Jonas said the path will extend to the front of the elementary school, providing a buffer between students and passing cars, making it safer for students there.
The project also includes a new stormwater system with 4-foot concrete shoulders, curbs and gutters.
Jonas previously said the boulevard has “ponding and pooling problems” when it rains, so the gutters and curbs should improve drainage in the area.