In the face of persistent supply chain disruptions, the St. Louis region showcased unparalleled collaboration and infrastructure strides in 2023, solidifying its position as a pivotal player in the national and global freight network. The St. Louis Regional Freightway presents a snapshot of major developments that unfolded throughout the year, either fortifying the region’s freight infrastructure or underscoring the resilience of its industrial market.
“Maintaining St. Louis as a world-class freight hub requires a commitment to enhancing our infrastructure and fortifying our resilience in the face of supply chain challenges,” remarked Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises at Bi-State Development and head of the St. Louis Regional Freightway. “The investments made over the past year are geared towards ensuring future competitiveness and growth in the region.”
Leading the roster of advancing projects is the construction of the new Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River. A collaborative effort between the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the bridge, estimated at $496 million, is deemed critical for the seamless movement of freight through the region and the heartland of America.
The St. Louis Regional Freightway has championed this project as a top priority, garnering support from the East-West Gateway Council of Governments and industry leaders. This project, integral to connectivity with various transportation modes, such as rail, river, and air, is part of a comprehensive plan to enhance a 22-mile section of Interstate 270.
Other notable projects identified as priorities by the St. Louis Regional Freightway also gained traction in 2023, including over $400 million in improvements to Interstate 70 and $233 million in improvements on I-55. These investments, totaling billions of dollars, aim to enhance safety, reliability, and intermodal connections, fostering economic growth and job creation in the region.
The industrial landscape of the St. Louis region boasts ample manufacturing space, with low average rents and a skilled workforce comprising 15% of the region’s employment. The St. Louis Regional Industrial Real Estate Market Indicators & Workforce Report revealed that manufacturing in the St. Louis metropolitan region ranks as the fourth largest industry, with workers nearly 15% more productive than the national average.
The aerospace industry took the spotlight during the second annual Take Flight Forum, where key players discussed an imminent boost of over $5 billion in investments, expected to create 1,000 new jobs in the bi-state area. The region’s five airports, including St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Spirit of St. Louis Airport, contribute significantly to the thriving aerospace manufacturing and aviation ecosystem.
Collaboration efforts extended to the rail sector, where the St. Louis region’s Class I railroads, economic development organizations, brokers, and business leaders identified and marketed top rail-accessible industrial real estate sites. Twelve locations, featuring heavy industrial user zoning and serviced by the region’s six Class I railroads, are ready for developers seeking the advantages of strong rail infrastructure and multimodal connectivity.
In a novel initiative, the St. Louis Regional Freightway introduced riverboat cruises for students and educators, offering tours of the Ag Coast of America—a 15-mile stretch of the Mississippi River renowned for its 16 barge transfer facilities, capable of handling over 150 barges per day. These cruises provide valuable insights into the region’s multimodal freight network and highlight career opportunities in transportation, manufacturing, and logistics.
FreightWeekSTL showcased the advantages offered by the St. Louis region to shippers and carriers, with discussions covering innovations, investments, and collaborations shaping the future of the freight industry. Notable topics included digitalization of global waterways, advances in autonomous railcars, and the creation of a Supply Chain Information Highway, all with ties to the St. Louis region.
A significant achievement in 2023 was the receipt of the Top Supply Chain Projects Award by the St. Louis Regional Freightway and Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis for the $222 million Merchants Bridge replacement project. This project doubled the bridge’s capacity, enhancing freight movement efficiency and reliability.
“As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2023, the St. Louis Regional Freightway anticipates continued success in driving economic development, strengthening connectivity, and maintaining the region’s global status as a logistics and manufacturing hub,” expressed Mary Lamie.
