Springfield Public Works has committed to investing more than $8 million over 18 months in infrastructure updates in the northwest quadrant of the city, including approximately 13,700 linear feet of new sidewalks in Bissett, Doling, Heart of the Westside, and Westside neighborhoods ($500,000) and several stormwater improvement projects. Progress has also been made on several streetscape projects within Zone 1. Below is a summary of each project.
Doling
The Talmage Dip stormwater and sidewalk project is under way, constructing a new box culvert over Pea Ridge Creek and improving safety for pedestrians with an added sidewalk along Talmage Street ($100,000).
Grant Beach
Drainage improvements along Lyon Avenue were completed in the summer ($40,000). The Springfield-Greene County Park Board resurfaced the basketball court at Grant Beach Park.
Heart of the Westside
The school sidewalk along Scott Avenue were completed in 2016, adding nearly 3,000 linear feet of sidewalks near York Elementary School ($100,000). The Nichols Park entrance and parking lot has been resurfaced, thanks to a partnership between Public Works and the Park Board ($38,000).
“The condition of the parking lots were a concern for the neighborhoods, and they were a concern for us, too,” said Miles Park, assistant director of parks operations. “We don’t have the equipment or personnel to perform that type of work, so we normally hire a contractor. Without Public Works’ help, for which we are so grateful, these projects may have waited their turn for several years.”
Midtown
The Commercial Street streetscape was recently completed and includes a roundabout intersection at Commercial Street and Washington Avenue ($1 million). Streetscape projects, in general, add decorative sidewalk, lighting, crosswalks and ADA improvements to a roadway. The Central and Pythian Corridor Improvement project was completed this summer ($2.9 million).
Tom Watkins
The Homeland Subdivision stormwater improvement project is estimated for completion in 2017 ($500,000). The Tom Watkins Park entrance and parking lot has been resurfaced, thanks to the partnership between Public Works and the Park Board ($33,000).
West Central
The Phelps Street streetscape, between Campbell and Boonville avenues, was completed in 2016 ($400,000). The College Street streetscape and Broadway intersection project is currently under way ($1.2 million).
Westside
The Mount Vernon road-widening project has been completed, widening the road from Orchard Crest Avenue to Suburban Avenue, improving stormwater infrastructure and adding sidewalks ($1.6 million).
Woodland Heights
The Turner Street drainage improvement project is set for completion in the spring of 2017 ($500,000).