When we moved to the corner of Cottleville Trails, we were assured that Cottleville Trails Drive would permanently dead-end and never become a through street. This promise was a pivotal factor in our decision to choose this neighborhood—it assured us we’d have a safe, quiet community, free from heavy commuter traffic.

The City of Cottleville is currently contemplating a significant transformation that would profoundly affect our community. They hosted an open house to discuss the results and findings of a traffic study regarding a proposed connection between Highway N and Gutermuth Road. We urge our fellow residents to consider the wide-ranging implications of such a development.

This proposed roadway connection is not merely a line on a map; it represents a potential increase in traffic that threatens the very essence of our neighborhood—a sanctuary for families, retirees, and professionals who value peace and safety above all.

Allowing this corridor to progress will undoubtedly transform our peaceful enclave into a thoroughfare, compromising the safety of our children, who play on these quiet streets, and eroding the local wildlife habitat. Furthermore, increased traffic congestion is likely, compounding pollution and noise, thereby decreasing the quality of life for every Cottleville resident.

Studies have shown that areas with increased traffic flow see reductions in property values, and the risk of accidents rises significantly. According to a study by the Federal Highway Administration, road expansions lead to increased traffic speeds, which raise the risk of pedestrian accidents by 8% at each incremental speed increase.

The preservation of our community's character is in our hands. We suggest alternative solutions, such as enhancing existing road networks and optimizing traffic signals to improve traffic flow, rather than disrupting established neighborhoods with new connectivity.

We urge the City of Cottleville leaders to respect their commitment to our community’s integrity and safety. Your voice matters. Help us protect our neighborhood by signing this petition to stop the proposed Highway N-Gutermuth Road connection.