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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A major road improvement project includes a safer and more appealing entrance to downtown.
A $1.25-million project at the intersection of National Ave. and East Trafficway includes new turn lanes, traffic signals, and a new landscaped gateway to Jordan Valley Park.
Also included in the improvements is a new railroad crossing on National, just south of Chestnut Expressway.
Aside from a brand-new road surface, new crossing signals and gates have been installed. The former crossing arrangement included lights only, and lacked gates. The new gates and signals are in a “quadrant” arrangement. This ensures all four lanes of traffic are completely blocked by barriers when a train is coming. The goal is to make it much more difficult for vehicles to drive around the gates to try and beat a train.
Because of ongoing construction, traffic on National Ave. is still down to one lane in each direction. Movements are also restricted on Trafficway through the intersection. Signage is in place to warn drivers about the detours and lane closings.
The crossing project, a joint venture between the city, MoDOT, and BNSF Railway, is being funded by the 1/4 –Cent Transportation Improvement Tax. Work is expected to continue through the early winter months.