Road closures set as improvements to BNSF Railroad crossing begin

(From the City of Springfield)

Various road closures will take place on Bennett Street between Enterprise Avenue and Lone Pine Avenue beginning May 1 as construction begins on improvements to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad crossing east of Enterprise Avenue.

The project will involve the lowering of the train tracks by 12-18 inches and the raising of the of the approach on the east side of the tracks in an effort to improve sight distance issues causing safety concerns at the Enterprise Avenue intersection. New ADA compliant sidewalks will be added as well as improvements to the storm sewer system.

This project has been accelerated through a cost share partnership between the City of Springfield and the BNSF Railway Company. The City’s portion will total approximately $100,000 and it will be funded from the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax.

Closure details are as follows:

• Bennett Street will close 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily, between Enterprise Avenue and Lone Pine Avenue beginning Monday, May 1 through Thursday, May 4 for utility relocations prior to the start of construction.

• Bennett Street will close at the BNSF Railroad Crossing, just east of Enterprise Avenue, beginning 8 a.m. Monday, May 8 through Saturday, June 3 (weather permitting) as construction on the improvement project begins.