Community Celebrates Opening of MetroBikeLink Trail Extension with Inaugural Ride

More than 100 cyclists joined local officials, stakeholders and residents on June 27 to celebrate the grand opening of the SCCTD’s new $6 million, 4.5-mile MetroBikeLink Trail extension. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees took part in an inaugural bike ride along the new trail segment, marking a major milestone in the MetroLink Expansion Project to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

The new trail runs parallel to the MetroLink alignment from the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center to near MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Designed for both recreation and transportation, it features scenic views, rolling inclines, three bridges and uninterrupted riding through the Silver Creek Wetlands, home to native wildlife.

Construction began in 2023 and was completed in June 2026. SCCTD funded $5.5 million of the project, with an additional $500,000 provided through grants from the Metro East Park and Recreation District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The extension is part of the MetroBikeLink System, a network of 40 miles of interconnecting trails throughout St. Clair County that links residents to transit, jobs, education, healthcare and other destinations. The system connects to seven Metro Transit Centers and integrates with MetroLink, MetroBus and SCCTD Flyer microtransit services.

The new trail segment is the first of three components of the MetroLink Expansion Project to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, with roadway improvements and MetroLink service anticipated to open soon.