Construction to continue “complete street” improvements along the Central Street corridor are set to begin this summer with the goal to provide a system for all modes of transportation in a pedestrian-heavy area of the city.
The project involves converting Central Street to a “complete street” between Benton Avenue and Clay Avenue with a multi-use path along the north side of Central and a sidewalk on the south side. Intersection and signal improvements will be made at Central Street and Drury Lane. Underground stormwater infrastructure will also be included as well as the installation of a small rain garden at Central and Clay to help improve water quality. Gas, water, electrical and fiberoptic utilities will be updated within the project boundaries.
Phase I of the project made “complete street” improvements along Central Street from Clay Avenue to National Avenue, redirecting traffic around Ozarks Technical Community College Campus via Pythian Avenue. The project installed a roundabout at Central and Sherman and included various pedestrian facilities. Phase II of the project will continue these improvements and carry them west through the Drury University campus. Future phases will eventually connect vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists to Central High School and the City Government Complex.
Considering Central Street bisects the Drury University campus, the City worked closely with the university throughout the project design process to plan around on-going facility construction and to ensure it aligns with Drury’s established master plan. The project will incorporate on-street parking, decorative street lighting and a grass-covered median throughout the extent of the project.
The City has selected contractor D&E Plumbing & Heating, Inc. to complete the work. The project is expected to cost $2.1 million and will be funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax with reimbursements from City Utilities for the utility upgrades. Completion is anticipated by the end of the year.