Construction on long-anticipated traffic calming and pedestrian improvements at Cherry Street and Pickwick Avenue began June 14, with project completion expected in October.
Improvements will extend along Cherry Street from Fremont Avenue to the west and the railroad crossing to the east. The project design includes the construction of various “bulb-outs,” or extensions of the curbline into the roadway. These modifications will visually and physically narrow the street, forcing traffic to slow down while also reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians and providing additional greenspace.
Cherry Street functions as a busy secondary arterial in Springfield’s roadway network. The goals of the project are to slow down traffic, create a safer and more inviting environment for pedestrians and also contribute to the growing area’s sense of place through aesthetic design features and landscaping. The installation of three crosswalks in the area will further signal to motorists that they are entering a pedestrian friendly area and they should slow down and use caution.
Traffic flow through the work zone will be limited to a single lane of westbound traffic for a large portion of the project duration. Eastbound traffic is advised to follow the marked detour. Sidewalks will also be impacted, as crews work to replace and enhance pedestrian offerings in the area. Residents can expect complete nighttime closures of Cherry Street for utility work and a week-long closure near the end of the project for the installation of crosswalks.
In late May, following weeks of steady rainfall, a small sinkhole opened up in the roadway on Cherry Street, just east of the intersection of Cherry and Pickwick. Public Works responded to assess the damage and determine a temporary repair plan prior to the Memorial Day weekend. The sinkhole caused damage to stormwater infrastructure underneath Cherry. Street Operations crews later mobilized to install a new stormwater pipe across Cherry Street and complete a permanent repair.
Sinkholes are relatively common in Springfield due to the region’s karst topography. On average, the City responds to over 30 sinkholes per year, most of which are relatively small and easily repaired.
The Cherry and Pickwick Intersection and Traffic Calming Project is estimated to cost approximately $170,000 and will be funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax Alternative Transportation program. City Utilities will be funding utility renewal work throughout the project area. The City has contracted with D&E Plumbing & Heating to complete the work.