Cottleville receives $2.6 million for pedestrian safety improvements along Highway N

COTTLEVILLE, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Cottleville has received a $2.6 million federal grant for pedestrian safety improvements along Highway N, more than two years after a woman was severely injured while walking near Dardenne Creek.

The project will cover a 1.3-mile stretch from Cottleville Parkway to Gutermuth Road. Plans call for a shared-use path, improved sidewalks and traffic-calming features.

City Administrator Michael Pedella said growing traffic and the popularity of downtown restaurants, shops and entertainment venues have made pedestrian connections a priority.

“We have had a growing population and more traffic, and with our downtown area having a lot of great venues that attract a lot of people, especially when it’s nice weather, we wanted to be as pedestrian-friendly as possible,” Pedella said.

While sidewalks and crossings serve much of downtown, gaps remain. North of Old Town, pedestrians and cyclists must use the shoulder of Highway N to cross Dardenne Creek.

It was there that Lindsay Jaco was severely injured after being hit by a car more than two years ago. She survived. Pedella said the incident helped spur the city’s push for broader walkway improvements.

The Federal Highway Administration grant will fund the project, which must still go through design, environmental review and public engagement. Construction is not expected to begin until 2028.