The City is set to begin the final phase of Republic Road widening later this year, providing traffic capacity and safety improvements along one of the busiest retail corridors in Springfield.
The project will include the widening of Republic Road from three lanes to five lanes between Fairview Avenue and the traffic signal at Chase, including sidewalk and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, stormwater improvements and the addition of bike lanes. Improvements will be constructed at the intersections of Republic Road and Campbell Avenue and Republic Road and the driveway at Chase, including upgrades to traffic signals.
Construction will also extend north on Campbell Avenue, including updates to stormwater and utility infrastructure. The project is designed to provide better integration between Republic Road and the James River Freeway interchange.
Public Works anticipates having a contractor selected this summer with construction potentially beginning by fall. Traffic impacts can be expected throughout construction, which is estimated to last between eight and12 months. The public will be notified of specific impacts as work begins and details become available.
Approved by voters in the 2016 cycle of the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax, the project timeline has been delayed due to necessary coordination with property owners, MoDOT and City Utilities.
“This is a really complicated improvement project due to its proximity to James River Freeway, the number of properties surrounding the intersections and the amount of utilities in place to support those businesses,” explains project manager Andrew Flippin. “The design phase took longer than we expected, but by working together, we’ll be able to deliver a better product in the long run.”
The project includes a cost share with MoDOT, with a total estimated cost of $4 million.