Crews will widen Grand Street Bridge near Kansas Expressway in Springfield

Each day cars, trains and countless pedestrians travel along Grand Street in Springfield. Many who travel it to access businesses and homes have concerns.

"The residents in the neighborhood mentioned there's a worn down path from all of the people using that bridge to cross, and right now it's so narrow that if there is a pedestrian on there, you have to get into the other lane so that is a safety issue," said Jonathan Peitz, Project Engineer for the City of Springfield.

Since 2011 there have been 26 traffic incidents reported for the 0.3 mile long street segment. Many of these were rear-end collision. Planned improvements to the area should help reduce this.

"This project will include replacement of the Grand Street bridge over Jordan Creek. We will widen the road to three lanes from Kansas Expressway to Park Avenue," said Peitz.

An estimated 8,000 cars per day travel along Grand Street. It's not only popular among motorists but also among pedestrians, but there are no sidewalks. There is a path nearby that is worn with footprints from people walking along the side of the road. As part of this project, public works leaders say areas surrounding the road will receive some much needed upgrades as well.

"The project will also include a sidewalk on the South Side of Grand and a multi-use path on the North Side. The multi- use path will also connect the existing Greenway trail from the North, to just South where the dog park is," said Peitz.

There are also plans to upgrade the railroad crossing, smoothing it out so motorists and pedestrians can cross it more safely.

"There will be a lot more safety aspects with the pedestrians so it will get them to their businesses in a much safer manner, it will also provide them safe access and it will just be a good benefit to all," saidPeitz.

"There will also be a center turn lane so those trying to get into Walgreens can access it a lot easier as well as Fellers and City Utilities," he explained.

Construction for the project is estimated to begin by fall of 2017, with completion by spring 2018. The current estimated project cost is $2.5 million and will be funded by 1/8-cent transportation sales tax.

Residents are invited to learn more at a public open house hosted by Public Works from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13 in the Fire Station #8 Community Room (1405 S. Scenic Avenue).

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about construction plans, see visuals of the proposed project, and ask questions. There will be no formal presentation.