About 200 citizens turned out for Springfield’s Public Works’ public meeting May 21 at All Saints Anglican Church to present the initial design for the Galloway Street Widening Project. Below is a rendering of the roundabout to be constructed at Galloway and Luster Avenue.
The project, which ranked as the No. 2 priority project in City-wide transportation surveys in 2015 and 2018, includes:
- widening of the Galloway Street to three lanes between Luster Avenue and Lone Pine Avenue
- a new center turn lane
- traffic-calming roundabout intersections at Luster Avenue and at Lone Pine Avenue
- Roundabouts encourage motorists to slow down and discourage cut-through traffic, while still allowing for more efficient traffic flow. They are also much more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, as all users of the roadway are only required to focus on traffic coming from one direction at a time.
- sidewalks on the south side of Galloway Street
- multi-use path on the north side of Galloway Street, providing an improved connection to Sequiota Park and the Ozarks Greenways trail
- upgraded stormwater infrastructure and improved drainage along Luster Avenue.
- Upgrades to stormwater infrastructure will take place along Galloway Avenue, including underground pipes. Drainage improvements will also be conducted along Luster Avenue, south of Galloway.
- improved railroad crossing.
The design and partial right-of-way phases of the project were completed in the 2016 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax renewal cycle. In 2019, Springfield voters again showed support by approving funding for the construction of the widening in the most recent renewal cycle of the 1/4-cent sales tax. The current estimated construction cost of the project is $5 million. The City plans to begin construction in fall 2020, with a targeted completion date of fall 2021.
Traffic impacts during construction
Galloway Street will be closed in various sections to allow for grade changes along the new roadway. A detour route will be clearly marked and local access to businesses and residences will be maintained.
Planning for the future of Galloway
Retail and residential multifamily development has intensified along Lone Pine from Battlefield Road to Republic Road in recent years. The City’s Planning and Development department is currently seeking input from the public to plan for the future growth and development in the area while protecting the unique character of the area and quality of life enjoyed there. City Council will hear recommendations regarding development in Galloway July 23.
The next public meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., July 9 at All Saints Anglican Church. Watch the Galloway Village Neighborhood Association’s Facebook page and signs posted in the Galloway area for updates.