Today post is another example of poor quality work. This isn’t about being a cash-strapped city — this is incompetence at all levels.
Looking West across 16th St at Market, note the location of the crosswalk relative to the detectable warning mat, click image for map to intersectionFrom the crosswalk looking toward the “ramp”Here’s a closer view of the ramp.
Looking at Google Street View I know this was done by the city sometime between September 2009 and August 2015. It was during this time the city took possession of the building from the federal government. I remember the old ramp, there are still some like it. It was done during a period when detectable warnings weren’t required, plus the location had no relationship with their crosswalk. But it was flush with the street.
The maximum vertical hight change allowable per ADA guidelines is 1/4″ — but this curb ramp is substantially higher than that. Sadly, it is very common to have greater than 1/4″ at ramps. Many are so bad I email the Streets Dept’s asphalt guy directly so they can do a non-compliant patch. Many things can be non-compliant, but still useful. This, and others, are hard to use and they damage the drive wheel on my chair. This would be very challenging for someone using a manual chair, and a trip hazard for a person walking with a cane or walker. In fact — this is a trip hazard for anyone walking here.
I have no idea if this was built by city employees or by a hired contractor. Either way, we’s never tolerate such shoddy work on our homes or cars — it shouldn’t be allowed in the public right-of-way.
Great Rivers Greenway, the City of St. Louis, CityArchRiver Foundation and other partners invite residents from across the region to join them in celebrating the transformation of the St. Louis riverfront on Thursday, June 2. The organizations will be hosting a “Picnic on the Riverfront” event from 5:00 to 8:45 p.m., which will feature St. Louis’ largest-ever community picnic – complete with a 2,016-foot-long table with chairs – to commemorate the opening of the new riverfront beneath the Gateway Arch.
The official ribbon cutting on June 2 will begin at 5 p.m. on the overlook stage along Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, with remarks from dignitaries and partners. Afterward, attendees can explore the nearby Mississippi Greenway, enjoy local music and educational activities for kids and purchase dinner from food trucks and other vendors. People are also welcome to bring their own picnic meal. An interfaith blessing will kick off dinner at 6:15 p.m., followed by an aerial photo of all the picnickers. The event will end with a brief fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.
“This new front door for our region celebrates the energy, adventure and awe of the mighty Mississippi and our iconic Gateway Arch,” said Susan Trautman, Executive Director of Great Rivers Greenway, the regional parks and trails district and lead agency on the project. “We invite people to bring their friends, family and neighbors from all parts of the region to celebrate.”
The renovation of the 1.5-mile stretch of riverfront includes the recently rebuilt Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and extension of the Mississippi Greenway from the Biddle Street Trailhead south to Chouteau Avenue, with protected walking and biking paths. The entire riverfront was elevated an average of almost two feet to limit flooding, returning more days of the year back to the community for walking, riding bikes, sightseeing and special events. While the historic elements were preserved, such as the cobblestones lining the levee; new amenities such as benches, bike racks, lights, power outlets and a street-level stage will make the space more inviting for events and programs. The lineup for this summer and fall includes bike rides, walk/run events, the St. Louis Brewers Guild Heritage Festival, a free concert series with The Sheldon, swap meets and more.
Earlier this month, on May 8th, my husband and I decided to check on the progress from the Eads Bridge. First though, a photo from September 2015:
Work continues on the North end of Lenore K. Sullivan — raising it was delayed by flooding. Click image to see September 2015 post with more imagesLooking more complete on May 8, 2016Looking West from further outLooking down riverMoving closer to downtownFurther WestDown on Lenore K Sullivan looking where Washington Ave used to beLenore K Sullivan Blvd is now higherLooking North from Eads Bridge, Laclede’s Landing area on the left beyond the elevated tracksFurther North, ML King Bridge in backgroundLooking back south toward the Eads BridgeNow at the center, some steps will be hidden by the new elevation of Lenore K Sullivan BlvdStill under constructions are four ramps from the top down to bottomThese ramps will be great for those of us in wheelchairs, pushing strollers, etcThere will also be ramps down to the cobblestonesIt appears a smooth concrete sidewalk will run along the base pf the wall next to the rough cobblestonesLooking South from the bike/job pathOne of the smartest ideas is concrete bases for light fixtures, these can go under flood waters without messing up wiring
So bring food, buy from food trucks, or just show up on June 2nd. I’m looking forward to exploring from end to end. Access is best from Chouteau or Laclede’s Landing Blvd (under the King Bridge).
Yesterday, in Part 1, I talked about the two different transit I’d taken (MetroLink, #90 & #32 MetroBus) and issues faced as a pedestrian trying to navigate in between. I’d made it to IKEA for shopping, followed by lunch.
I’m obsessed with food so naturally I took a pic of my plate: Veggies balls with vegetarian black bean sauce,, steamed veggies, Swedish apple cake, and tap water.When I was done with lunch the rain had resumed.
I checked the transit options, it would be a while before a MetroBus stopped out front. Plus, that would only get me to Lindell where I’d have to wait in the rain for the #10. The Grand MetroLink is closer than the CWE MetroLink, but Forest Park is the most direct route and I recall some access issues the last time. Plus, my transfer from earlier was now long expired.
No matter what I’d be in the rain, so I decided to just roll home — 2.9 miles. I’ve done it a few times before, though not in the rain. I’m still wearing a poncho to keep me and the controller on my chair dry. My shoes, however, get soaked. North on Vandeventer to Lindell. I stayed on the West side of Vandeventer because I’m bot sure if the city ever got around to the huge gaps in front of the curb ramps on the NE corner of Vandeventer & Forest Park. At Lindell, I checked the schedule again — I can get home before the next bus would arrive.
Because of the rain I only took a few pictures. The following week I took the bus to Lindell & Spring to backtrack and take pictures of things I saw in the rain.
Lindell & Spring, the crowd passed the walk button. Not sure if required.New traffic signals being installed at the Lindell/Olive intersection. April 6thThis signal is long overdue! In the background the Hotel Ignacio is getting its EFIS facade repairedHow many years ago did I post about the need for painted crosswalk lines here? August 2011 — click image for post.Olive & Compton, no need to push the button tho cross Compton. If you want to cross Olive you must press the button.At Ewing is a ramp my powerful chair cannot get up — the vertical height is too much. April 6thThe same ramp again. Like hundreds/thousands of curb ramps it was built too high relative to the paving. Plus, like so many, the paving right in from is partially missing. I have to role in Ewing a little bit to get to a driveway to get onto the sidewalk.The West side at Ewing & Olive is another issue. The concrete at the top has caved in between the top of the ramp and the access panel.I’ve not tried to go up this ramp. it might also be impossibleAt Leffingwell you must press the button to get a walk signal to cross Olive — even when traffic has a green lightAt Olive & 20th I saw the buttons in the rain, they were far away. To cross 20th you needed to be over by Olive and vice versa.When I went back I confirmed no button is needed to cross 20th but you do need to press a button top cross Olive. The signs are wrong, the button next to each crosswalk is what is wired.
Used to be — but no curb ramp is missing for the nearly 3 mile trip. If I tried to use Locust there are many missing curb ramps.
I still fail to understand why all the cost of the buttons when they don’t need to be pushed in the East-West direction. And why have to press a button to get a walk signal when vehicles from side streets get a green light? This is how we’ve spent money — building infrastructure that frustrates this pedestrian!
The morning of April 6th I had a 9am appointment on Hampton Ave, between Columbia & Elizabeth. It was raining off and on that day. Today’s post is about the journey there & back.
I had originally planned to take MetroBus there, but I didn’t have any two-hour passes so I’d get a transfer for the 2nd bus. So I went to the Union Station MetroLink station, purchased a few passes, validated one, boarded a Westbound train to the Forest Park MetroLink station. Just before a Southbound #90 (Hampton) MetroBus arrived it began to sprinkle. I left home in a poncho to keep and my wheelchair’s controller dry.
View out a Southbound #90 MetroBus on Hampton about to cross over I-64. Traffic was backed up on the highway and WB on ramp
After taking care of business at two places on Hampton, I wanted to visit IKEA to shop and have lunch. The most direct route was a short ride on a Northbound #90 (Hampton) MetroBus, then take a #32 (Chouteau-Manchester) MetroBus to Vandeventer. But when I was ready to leave it was going to be a while before the next #90 arrived, I might as well just roll it.
I’ve gone up to Clayton Ave before, so I knew I could manage — it was about 3/4 of a mile from my starting point to Lloyd Ave. where I’d go right to make my way down to Manchester (map). As I turned off Hampton onto Lloyd I was pleasantly surprised a sidewalk existed — I wasn’t sure that would be the case. However, a the bottom of the hill there was no sidewalk along Sulphur. Well, there is along the East side, but because of curbs, I couldn’t get to it.
At this point I had two options:
Roll on the Sulphur Ave roadway, or
Go back up to Hampton, cross, reach Manchester on the other side.
Looking at the time I thought I’d miss the next #32 if I went with the safer #2 option. So, when there was no traffic I quickly rolled South to Manchester. Whew…
The ADA ramp to cross Manchester is covered in a fine gravel. I can power over it but others would have difficulty.Looking back where I’d beenThe EB MetroBus stop. I wish it had a curb at the far right edge to prevent backing up too far and rolling down the hill.Looking West to see the #32 coming. In September I posted about the danger of reaching one bus stop to the West — clock image to view that post
So the #32 MetroBus came right on time, my transfer was still valid, and it had stopped raining. I’d get off at Vandeventer Ave and roll North to IKEA — about a half a mile. So I got off at the last MetroBus stop before Vandeventer Ave., just had to cross one side street first.
Hemp Ave is between the bus stop and Vandeventer, but no curb ramp is visible. But be just out of viewNope, just 100 feet from a bus stop there’s no curb cut! I found a driveway I was barely able to use to get onto the sidewalkLooking North I’d hoped to cross here to stay on the West side of Vandeventer — but pedestrians aren’t allowed ri cross at this pointSo I crossed Vandeventer, them crossed Manchester. The sidewalk design makes it clear to not go East on Chouteau.QuikTrip thinks this is a compliant pedestrian route. It’s not.Heading North, but I see a problem ahead. Initially I thought no sidewalk existed after the building on the rightBut the tiny sidewalk has been blocked by Laclede Cab. Looking at city records, the public right-of-way is as wide as it is ned to the building — the sidewalk should be wider!Continuing, I’m almost to Market St. JJs Clubhouse, a gay bar, is to the rightTurning left, I can see my destination–almost there!Rough surface that would be a challenge for manyWhen the side on the right is soon developed, this sidewalk will be redone. Still, this was great compared to what I had just experiencedBut when IKEA was built one time section was left as gravel and my chair couldn’t get up over the vertical edge — not with me in it. Unlike many, I’m fortunate enough to be able to stand on level ground. So I got up and the chair could then get up to the new sidewalk.Looking back we can see the tiny section left unfinished and inaccessible for more than half a year .Finally, I can now cross to IKEA.
Combined with public transit, I can cover miles as a pedestrian in my wheelchair — though our public rights-of-way are far from ideal. Looking at Google Maps it suggests using Sarah to reach IKEA instead of Vandeventer — no matter where you start from: Commerce, QuikTrip, Laclede Cab, even JJs Clubhouse! Yes, if you’re at Vandeventer & Market where you can see IKEA it suggests you cross Vandeventer and go West on Clayton Road to Sarah.
This isn’t a lack of money issue — it’s a lack of concern issue. Money is spent building infrastructure that doesn’t work for actual users. This mentality needs to change!
Tomorrow’s post will be about my trip back downtown from IKEA.
Thanks for your input on the crosswalks. I’m working on improving our pedestrian facilities and we will get better. Please feel free to send me other locations you’ve noticed besides those mentioned. I’d also value any pics you may have from other cities in your travels that have different approaches.
Since you asked, I put together information on problems I’ve seen here in St. Louis, along with solutions I’ve seen in other cities. I’m making this open to increase public awareness and discussion. It does cause me concern that a “traffic engineer” is in charge of pedestrian & bike issues — it is traffic engineering that has made it such a liability to be a pedestrian or cyclist in this city & region. This is reflected in pedestrian deaths.
That said, I do know engineers can do good work — when they think like pedestrians instead of drivers! The Portland Pedestrian Design Guide, dated June 1998, is a great place for you to start your re-education. Yes, a document nearly two decades old shows how far behind St. Louis is when it comes to addressing the needs pedestrians.
Here’s my initial list — in no particular order:
Do not require pedestrians to press a button to get a WALK signal — except in very limited circumstances.
Make sure every leg of a signalized intersection includes a pedestrian signal — with countdown timer.
Allow pedestrians to cross at each leg of an intersection.
Give pedestrians a head start with a WALK signal a few seconds before the traffic light turns green.
Give pedestrians the walk before left-turning traffic, trailing left instead of leading left.
Time pedestrian signals consistently. Some say DON’T WALK while traffic still has 30-60 of a green light remaining.
Make sure sidewalks are level, not cracked. Sufficiently wide through path so pedestrians can meet/pass — not single file.
Ramps perpendicular to curb, not on the apex of the corner.
Use street trees and/or parked cars to separate pedestrians from vehicles
Mid-Block crossings should be marked in the middle — a center sign and/or overhead light/sign
I don’t have photos to illustrate all ten items, but here are some:
A crosswalk & pedestrian signal in Cincinnati OHThe sign above the pedestrian signal lets pedestrians know this signal requires activationThey al;so mark the buttons too let pedestrians know they need to activate the walk signal.
In their downtown the bulk of the crossings were automatic, no activation required. This is how it should be in places with higher pedestrian traffic. There were a couple of places where they need a button but that was only to activate audio signals for those visually-impaored — a sign was there to let the rest of us know it was an audio signal — we didn’t need to press it to get a WALK signal.
Cincinnati
As Oklahoma City rebuilds downtown the new crosswalks are very wide, curb ramps can accommodate many users. July 2012
Contrast this with the narrow crosswalks and curb ramp in/around Ballpark Village — which are undersized for game-day pedestrian volume. As I find more examples in my photo library I’ll do a new post(s). In the meantime, I’d like us to take a walk.Ideally, we’d arrange for a power wheelchair for you to use so we can cover more territory.
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