One of the toughest intersections for pedestrians in the city is getting a makeover.
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen on Friday set in motion a nearly $2 million upgrade to the intersection of Clayton, Skinker, and Oakland on the southwest corner of Forest Park. Improvements include new signals, bike lanes, and crosswalks.
"I would expect it'll be a couple of years before those improvements will actually be done, but at least folks can know that it's going to get better," said Ald. Lyda Krewson, who's heard about the difficulty of using that intersection for years.
Local attorney Matthew Voorhees was among those who complained. He started a Facebook page in 2011 after nearly being struck while trying to enter Forest Park at that intersection.
" I have seen cars coming to abrupt stops when they finally do see people who are crossing the intersection," he said. "There’s just not a clear light that says it’s time to walk. It’s one of the few intersections where I actually see people get off their bikes and push them across for fear of getting hit."
Federal funds will cover 80 percent of the cost. The required local match will come from ward improvement dollars and some of the $30 million in bonds that are being sold to improve Forest Park.
