Project costs continue to rise on the Renew Jordan Creek phase one project, according to City stormwater engineers in a February update to City Council. The project is still in the permitting process with a target to bid the project this summer and begin construction in the fall.
Renew Jordan Creek is a project to “daylight” or uncover 1,100 feet of Jordan Creek and build several bridges in downtown Springfield. The project area consists of two large blocks in the urbanized center of Jordan Valley Park, bordered on the east by Boonville Avenue, Water Street and the railway on the south, Main Avenue on the west, and Mill Street on the north. Later phases of the project envision improvements at Founders Park and the property at 404 N. Jefferson Ave.
The overall project goals include flood reduction and water quality improvements, in addition to pedestrian and connectivity enhancements, sustainable greenspaces integration, comfort and safety improvements and sense of place development.
“We’ve seen significant increases in costs due to a variety of factors including market conditions, additional utility costs, railroad costs as well as additional scope,” explained Principal Stormwater Engineer Chris Dunnaway. “In total the cost is estimated to cost around $38 million.”
Dunnaway highlighted that this total is still an estimate and the true costs will not be known until the project is advertised for contractor bids. Construction Management contractor Branco has been providing estimates throughout the design process and plans to conduct outreach to local, regional and national contractors to get the best price to build the various elements of the project.
The project is expected funding will come from a variety of local sources combined with a number of outside grants. Local funding from the project will come from the City’s Level Property Tax, 1/4-cent and 1/8-cent sales taxes, and Environmental Services Green Infrastructure funds. External funding sources include Surface Transportation Block Grants, Local ARPA funds, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ARPA funds, a Department of Economic Development ARPA grant, and Environmental Protection Agency and DNR grants.
The project is currently undergoing environmental review and permitting processes through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and BNSF Railway.
The project team anticipates advertising the project for contractor bids this summer, with a target for beginning construction in the fall of 2024. Work is expected to last approximately 18 months, with a hopeful completion date in spring of 2026.
A public open house and environmental information meeting is planned this spring. For event details and to find out more about the project, visit renewjordancreek.com.