Construction to extend the Gravois Greenway — Grant’s Trail — and connect it with the River des Peres Greenway will start Monday, Sept. 25, with the closure of the southern trailhead near Orlando’s Event and Conference Center at 4300 Hoffmeister Ave.

The last 750 feet of the existing paved route will be closed for about eight months while construction of the improved trailhead is underway, according to a news release. The trailhead improvements include restrooms, benches, landscaping and a play structure.

To lessen the inconvenience to greenway users, Great Rivers Greenway has leased a 16-vehicle parking lot, adjacent to Grant’s Trail at Reavis Barracks Road, that will serve as a temporary trailhead.

No other trailheads or designated parking areas along the eight-mile Gravois Greenway will be impacted by this construction.

To commemorate the start of this long-awaited greenway expansion, Great Rivers Greenway will hold a “Last Hurrah” celebration on Saturday, Sept. 23. Reidents are invited to stop by the existing trailhead at Orlando’s anytime from 8 to 11 a.m. when Great Rivers Greenway staff will be on hand with coffee and information about the project. Midwest BankCentre will supply granola bars for those needing a snack after their walk or bike ride.

“People across the region have been eagerly waiting for this project to begin, and we are excited to break ground,” Megan Riechmann, Great Rivers Greenway project manager, stated in the release. “We know that many people use the trailhead at Orlando’s, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we build this new trailhead and expanded greenway for all to enjoy.”

Construction on this first phase of the Gravois Greenway extension is expected to last into spring.

Phase two of the project is scheduled to begin in 2018 and will extend the existing eight-mile Gravois Greenway an additional two miles to connect with the River des Peres Greenway.