St. Louis County Exec Stenger proposes three new MetroLink routes

St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger announced late last week that studies will be conducted on three new MetroLink routes, pending approval by the county's council.

The proposed routes were identified in the region's long-range transportation plan developed by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments.

One route would run westward from the Clayton Station in St. Louis to the Maryland Heights area, while another would run through north St. Louis County. The final route would move through the county's southern region.

"We had originally planned to study only one route, but after hearing from residents and speaking with experts, it became apparent that all three corridors deserve a closer look," Stenger said in a press release. "These studies are required to secure federal funding that will be an important part of any MetroLink expansion."

Funds to conduct the studies come from the voter-approved Proposition A sales tax.