St. Louis-based Metro Transit, alongside Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, St. Clair County leaders, transportation officials, project partners, and community stakeholders, recently celebrated the completion of construction on the MetroLink Extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

The milestone marks the culmination of a $192 million multimodal investment designed to strengthen regional connectivity, expand transportation options, and support long-term economic growth throughout St. Clair County and the bi-state region.

During the celebration, more than 100 attendees heard formal remarks from state, regional, and local leaders before participating in a ribbon-cutting at the new MidAmerica St. Louis Airport MetroLink Station. Dignitaries then boarded an inaugural ride along the completed MetroLink extension.

The three-part project included:

• A $154 million, 5.2-mile MetroLink extension from the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, the first full MetroLink expansion in 20 years.
• Approximately $32 million in new roadway infrastructure.
• A $6 million, 4.5-mile extension of the MetroBikeLink Trail.

Together, these improvements create a more connected transportation network for transit riders, cyclists, motorists, airport travelers, and employers throughout the region.

"This project is much more than a transit expansion," said Mark Kern, St. Clair County chairman. "It is an investment in our communities, workforce, and future. By connecting MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Scott Air Force Base, employers, and neighborhoods to the region's transit network, we are creating new opportunities for residents while positioning St. Clair County for continued economic growth.

The project was funded through a partnership between the State of Illinois and the St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), including $127 million from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program and $65 million from SCCTD. According to an agency release, the project was fully funded with no additional cost or debt to taxpayers, completed without federal funding, and delivered on time.

Upon opening for revenue service in the coming months, the extension will serve as MetroLink's 39th station and offer a direct rail connection between MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and St. Louis Lambert International Airport through the commuter rail’s 43-mile light rail system.

The site features “Taking Flight”, a large-scale sculpture by artist Dale Rogers of Massachusetts, depicting five 12-foot gulls in flight at the entrance of the station.

Roadway improvements include a new 2.4-mile access roadway extending from Rieder Road to Airport Boulevard, connecting to Interstate 64 and providing a new entryway into the airport, and a 1/3-mile extension of Rieder Road from Wherry Road to Scott Air Force Base’s Cardinal Creek Gate, providing more direct access.

Supporting Local Jobs and Long-Term Economic Growth

Beyond its transportation benefits, the project is expected to drive economic growth throughout the region. Designed with infill development potential along the alignment, the extension could create new investment opportunities near MidAmerica St. Louis Airport while “strengthening access to Scott Air Force Base, local employers, and future development sites.”

The project also builds upon SCCTD's existing annual economic impact of $129.5 million in St. Clair County and supports future growth throughout the region.

A large majority of project contracts were awarded locally, reinvesting millions of dollars into the regional economy while supporting local contractors, union labor, and disadvantaged business enterprises. The project also improves access to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and Scott Air Force Base, two of the “region's most significant economic assets and employment centers.”

"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."

Key project partners include the St. Clair County Transit District, Illinois Department of Transportation, Bi-State Development/Metro Transit, St. Clair County, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Gonzalez Companies, and the Southwestern Illinois Building Trades Council, as well as dozens of prime contractors and subcontractors.

The project also included coordination with Native tribes and archaeological work to identify and preserve culturally and historically significant resources.

Construction on the MetroLink extension is complete, and testing is underway. Revenue service is anticipated to begin in the coming months.

A task order has been approved by SCCTD to extend the MetroBikeLink Trail the final 0.7 miles to the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport MetroLink Station, with construction expected to be completed within a year.