Grand Street Bridge to close for five months beginning April 9

(From the City of Springfield)

The Grand Street Bridge, located west of the intersection of Grand Street and Kansas Expressway, will close for approximately five months beginning Monday, April 9 for the removal and replacement of the bridge.

The reconstruction of the bridge is part of the larger Grand Street Bridge over Jordan Creek improvement project, identified by citizens as their No. 1 priority in need of improvement in the 2015 city-wide transportation survey.

The project will involve the widening of Grand Street to three lanes from Kansas Expressway to Park Avenue, improving both traffic and pedestrian safety. It will include the addition of a center turn lane, upgraded stormwater infrastructure, stream restoration, an improved railroad crossing and the construction of a new bridge over Jordan Creek.

The area, widely used by pedestrians, will also include a new sidewalk on the south side of Grand Street and a multi-use path on the north side that will tie into the existing Ozark Greenways trail system.

A traffic detour will be marked guiding motorists around construction by way of Kansas Expressway, Bennett Street, Scenic Avenue and Mount Vernon Street.

All businesses within construction limits will remain open and access will be maintained for the duration. Access to Wabash Avenue, including the Cruse Dog Park, will also be maintained, however, nighttime closures of the Grand Street and Wabash Avenue intersection may be required.

Completion of the project is anticipated for fall. The current estimated cost of the project is $2.9 million and will be funded by the voter-approved 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax.

The City will release notifications of additional traffic impacts as the project continues. Follow the City on social media or sign up to receive notifications through the “Notify Me” tab at springfieldmo.gov.