The contractor for the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Rehabilitation Project, Branco Enterprises, continues to make progress with the first phase of the historic bridge rehabilitation, which involves determining a process for conducting the work, ordering needed equipment and supplies and securing the necessary permits with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway. At this time, the project team is on track to begin construction activities in the spring.
This fall, BNSF contacted Public Works about the possibility of raising the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge 3-4 feet as a part of the upcoming rehabilitation project. Raising the historic bridge would bring the structure closer to Federal Railroad Association height compliance above the tracks and allow for BNSF to provide future track maintenance.
In discussing this potential modification with Branco, it is apparent raising the bridge would add complexity, time and cost in the delivery of the rehabilitation, but there are still many unknowns.
At the Dec. 16 Springfield City Council Meeting, a bill is anticipated to be brought forward seeking authorization for the City to enter into an agreement with BNSF to accept funds to conduct an engineering evaluation of the feasibility of their request. The evaluation will also help determine what additional construction services may be needed if raising the bridge were to be added to the project scope.
Related to this request and as part of the City’s current contract, workers with Great River Engineering are beginning preliminary boring tests at several locations surrounding the footbridge. This will help assess what type of soil or rock may be encountered if excavation is needed.
For more information on the rehabilitation project and to sign up for project updates, visit springfieldmo.gov/footbridge.