The new sidewalks MoDOT recently constructed across I-70 and Memorial Dr to the Arch grounds are a welcome improvement over what was there before. There’s finally something there that acknowledges that actual pedestrians may want to cross the highway between downtown and the Arch.

Still, it’s obvious that some small details were not thought through. For a simple example, have a look at the photo on the right taken at the intersection of Market St and northbound Memorial Dr looking towards the Arch. The height difference between the two sidewalks forced engineers to create a zig for the ADA compliant ramp from Market St up to the sidewalk that parallels Memorial Dr. The engineers then forgot to account for able-bodied people, all of whom continue straight ahead across the grass. The result is barren earth.

Of course, the walk would be made infinitely more pleasant if I-70 could just disappear.