(KTTS News) — Springfield City Council will hear tonight about a plan to access money from MoDOT for the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge.
The plan is to use $8 million dollars to upgrade the structure, which is badly in need of repairs.
The $8 million approved through the state budget is designated specifically for rehabilitation of the historic bridge and cannot be used for improvements to the Footbridge Plaza space or other infrastructure.
The city of Springfield will also begin making upgrades to Jubilee Park in downtown after Thanksgiving.
Public Works crews will make the changes at a cost of about $5,000.
Edited Press Release
Following a public comment period yielding no major concerns, the City of Springfield will proceed with planned safety and operational modifications to Jubilee Park (298 S. Jefferson Avenue) beginning Monday, Nov. 27.
Crews will begin Nov. 27 by removing approximately 10 trees from the site that are in poor health and condition.
Workers will return the week of Dec. 11 to begin the removal of stone walls, planters and patio spaces on the north and south portions of the park.
The closure of several parking spaces along the east side of the park may be required for equipment and materials.
Impacts to traffic will be minimal and will not involve Jefferson Avenue.
The modifications are expected for completion by the end of the year, with replacement tree plantings and landscaping work planned for the spring.
The goal of the planned Jubilee Park modifications is to provide a convenient green space for residents and visitors in an area of downtown Springfield that is otherwise developed.
The project will include the removal of stone walls, planters and patio spaces on the north and south portions of the park.
An asphalt walkway will be removed and a new walkway constructed to connect sidewalk along the western perimeter to an existing music installation.
Spaces where pavement is removed will be regraded to provide flatter, more walkable and mowable green space.
Several trees in poor condition will be removed and replaced with new trees and landscaping in various locations.
The City began looking at potential modifications to the park following a request from the Downtown Community Improvement District to assess safety, maintenance and overall usability of the space.
A Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) study of the space was conducted over the summer by the Springfield Police Department.
The City also conducted research on the history of the current contents of Jubilee Park and found no restrictions to its modification.
The modifications will be constructed by Public Works internal streets and grounds crews at a cost of less than $5,000.
Once the agreement is signed, Public Works anticipates advertising the project for contractor bids later this winter.
