The City of Springfield is asking for public feedback on its preliminary plans for intersection and traffic calming improvements in the growing Cherry Street and Pickwick Avenue area.
In recent years, Cherry and Pickwick has become an increasingly popular activity center for neighborhood residents and outside visitors alike, causing a rise in foot traffic and increasing concerns over pedestrian safety.
Planned improvements along Cherry Street will stretch 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 curb line 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 green space.
“Cherry Street serves as a busy secondary arterial in our roadway network,” explains Public Works project manager Derrick Estell. “The goals of this project include slowing down traffic along Cherry Street, creating a safer and more inviting environment for pedestrians and contributing to the area’s sense of place through aesthetic design features and landscaping.”
“We will also be installing three crosswalks in the area which will further signal to motorists that they are entering a pedestrian friendly area and that they should slow down and use caution,” Estell added.
The City has established a project website at springfieldmo.gov/cherryandpickwick where interested citizens can learn more about the project, view the preliminary designs and submit a public comment card. The deadline for public comment on the design is Friday, Aug. 21.
“At our July RNA meeting we heard from Derrick Estell and Tina Stob from Public Works about the plans for traffic calming and pedestrian improvements at Cherry and Pickwick. We were generally really pleased with what we saw at the meeting,” said Rountree Neighborhood Association President Mike Brothers, in an Aug. 4 Facebook post to RNA’s page. “Notably, this project actually includes three crosswalks rather than just one. The two crosswalks on the east and west sides will help to slow traffic before vehicles even get to the main crosswalk, which is wider than normal and actually includes a raised element.”
Following the public comment period for the preliminary design, Public Works will develop the final engineering design plans. The project is expected to be bid out to potential contractors in November with construction anticipated in early spring, 2021.
The Cherry and Pickwick Intersection and Traffic Calming Project is estimated to cost approximately $150,000 and will be funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax Alternative Transportation program.