The cities of Glendale and Kirkwood have acquired federal aid funding through the Surface Transportation Program administered by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments for the reconstruction of E. Essex Ave between Dickson Street in Kirkwood and N. Sappington Rd in Glendale, a project titled E. Essex Ave STP Reconstruction Project.
This project entails construction of a new concrete sidewalk along the north side of the street, new concrete curb and guttering along the north and south sides of the street, stormwater improvements, and a new asphalt overlay.
Construction Update for September 18, 2025
Street Signs:
- The following signs were posted on 9-16
- “No Parking This Side of Street” signs were posted on the north and south sides of E. Essex Ave between N. Sappington Rd and Hill Dr
- “Stop” signs were installed at 3-way intersection of E. Essex Ave and Venneman Ave
- A “No Parking Here to Corner” sign was posted along the east side of Venneman Ave, approximately 30 feet north of E. Essex Ave
- “Speed Limit 20” signs were posted on the north and south sides of E. Essex Ave between N. Sappington Rd and Hill Dr
For all intents and purposes, the E. Essex Ave reconstruction project is complete.
A few punch-list items remain, which are:
- Dead or missing sod will be replaced at select areas
- The driveway at 401 Venneman Ave will be backfilled, sodded, and mulched
- The retaining wall between 735 & 725 E. Essex Ave will be backfilled with mulch
- The decorative rock garden at the northeast corner of E. Essex Ave and Hill Dr will be filled with matching rock
The contractor expects to complete the punch list items on or before 9-26
*The dates listed above are subject to change in the event of inclement weather.
Cost, Construction Plans and Contact Information
The estimated cost to construct the improvements is $1,078,044. The STP program provided $802,002 in federal aid, leaving Glendale and Kirkwood to cost-share the remaining balance of $276,042.
A copy of the construction plans can be viewed here.
