FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Springfield is asking for public feedback on its preliminary plans for intersection and traffic calming improvements in the growing Cherry Street and Pickwick Avenue area.
In recent years, Cherry and Pickwick has become an increasingly popular activity center for neighborhood residents and outside visitors alike, causing a rise in foot traffic and increasing concerns over pedestrian safety.
“Cherry Street serves as a busy secondary arterial in our roadway network,” explains Public Works project manager Derrick Estell. “The goals of this project include slowing down traffic along Cherry Street, creating a safer and more inviting environment for pedestrians and contributing to the area’s sense of place through aesthetic design features and landscaping.”
Planned improvements along Cherry Street will stretch from Fremont Avenue to the west and the railroad crossing to the east. The project design includes the construction of various “bulb-outs,” or extensions of the curbline into the roadway. These modifications will serve to visually and physically narrow the street, forcing traffic to slow down while also reducing the crossing distance for pedestrians and providing additional greenspace.
“We will also be installing three crosswalks in the area which will further signal to motorists that they are entering a pedestrian friendly area and that they should slow down and use caution,” says Estell.
The City has established a project website at springfieldmo.gov/cherryandpickwick where interested citizens can learn more about the project, view the preliminary designs and submit a public comment card. The deadline for public comment on the design is Friday, Aug. 21.
Following the public comment period for the preliminary design, Public Works will develop the final engineering design plans. The project is expected to be bid out to potential contractors in November with construction anticipated in early spring, 2021.
The Cherry and Pickwick Intersection and Traffic Calming Project is estimated to cost approximately $150,000 and will be funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax Alternative Transportation program.
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For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].