A major transportation milestone is set to benefit residents, workers, travelers and the environment across the Metro East and greater bi-state St. Louis region.
State, regional and local leaders recently celebrated the completion of the MetroLink Extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Oct. 5, a transformative project designed to improve regional connectivity, expand transportation options and support long-term economic growth throughout the region.
The project includes a 5.2-mile extension of MetroLink from the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, along with new roadway connections and an extension of the MetroBikeLink Trail. Together, these improvements create a more connected transportation network for transit riders, cyclists, motorists, airport travelers and employers throughout St. Clair County and beyond.
The new MetroLink station is located directly across from the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport terminal and marks the first full MetroLink expansion in approximately 20 years. Once passenger service begins in the coming months, the extension will become MetroLink’s 39th station and provide a direct rail connection between MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport through Metro’s 43-mile light rail system.
For the St. Louis region, investments in public transit and active transportation infrastructure do more than improve mobility. They also support cleaner air by reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicle trips, helping decrease traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. Expanding transportation choices makes it easier for residents to choose transit, biking and walking for work, travel and everyday activities.
The project also strengthens access to major employment centers, including MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and Scott Air Force Base, while creating new opportunities for future development and investment along the corridor.
“This project demonstrates what can happen when a bold vision is backed by strong partnerships and a commitment to follow through,” said Ken Sharkey, managing director of the St. Clair County Transit District. “A tremendous amount of planning, coordination and hard work went into making this extension a reality. Today, we celebrate the completion of a project that improves connectivity, expands transportation choices and creates opportunities that will benefit residents, employers and the entire region for decades to come.”
Construction on the MetroLink extension is complete and testing is underway, with passenger service expected to begin in the coming months. An additional 0.7-mile MetroBikeLink Trail extension to the new station is also planned, further enhancing opportunities for active transportation and multimodal travel throughout the region.
Projects like the MetroLink extension demonstrate how strategic investments in transit, bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure can help communities improve mobility, strengthen local economies and support cleaner air for everyone.
To learn more about the project, visit the St. Clair County Transit District website.
