In November, 2019, Springfield voters will be asked to decide whether or not to renew the 1/8-cent sales tax (with no tax increase) for another round of high-priority transportation improvement projects in Springfield. The tax was first approved in 1996 and renewed in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 and 2016.
The current 1/8-cent transportation sales tax, renewed by Springfield voters for the sixth time in 2016, is estimated to generate approximately $20 million which is being invested in high-priority projects such as intersection improvements, street and bridge widening, signal system improvements, turn lane improvements, walkability projects such as sidewalks and trails and street resurfacing.
Projects that have been completed with 1/8-cent funds include:
- Intersection / Interchange Improvements:
- I-44 and Kansas Expressway
- James River Freeway at National Avenue
- James River Freeway at Campbell Avenue
- National Avenue at Kearney Street
- Widening of U.S. Route 65 to 6 lanes, in 2 phases, from Chestnut Expressway to Sunshine Street, and from Sunshine to Battlefield Road.
- Turn lane improvements for safety and capacity at various locations, such as Glenstone at Battlefield and Chestnut Expressway at Sherman Avenue.
- Bridge and pavement preservation, including bridge rehabilitation on Kansas Expressway viaduct.
- Design priority intermodal connectivity improvements to enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and transit mobility.
- Construct pedestrian connections to transit stops along Glenstone Avenue.
- Enhancements to the Ozarks Traffic Intelligent Transportation System including variable message signs.
- Cost-share projects for economic development working with MoDOT, Greene County and private developers.