FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brookside Drive to remain closed to traffic between National Avenue and Kings Avenue through March 2022.
Scheduling difficulties have caused the construction timeline for stormwater improvements near the Springfield Art Museum to be extended through spring of 2022. The project recently reached the mid-way mark despite experiencing industry-wide staffing and supply challenges.
The project to reduce flooding and improve water quality to properties nearby the Art Museum involves restoring a portion of Fassnight Creek to a naturalized channel along Brookside Drive between Kings Avenue and Greene Avenue. The project also includes the construction of two pedestrian bridges and installation of more than 200 native plants and shrubs.
City construction contractor Hartman and Company has made progress since breaking ground on the project in March, completing sanitary sewer main relocations and conducting excavation and grading from east to west along Fassnight Creek. Hartman has also installed bridge piers for two pedestrian bridges located on the east and west sides of the project.
Throughout construction, Hartman has experienced delays due to subcontractor scheduling and materials supply. These challenges are consistent with those experienced industry wide as contractors struggle to hire necessary workers and supply chains remain inconsistent following the effects of the pandemic.
“The City has been coordinating closely with Hartman as construction has progressed,” explains project manager Kirkland Preston. “We were hopeful the project could keep to the original timeline and wrap up this fall, but unfortunately that won’t be possible under the current conditions. Per their contract, Hartman has until mid-April to complete the project.”
This fall, Hartman expects to continue grading and laying rip rap along the channel. Due to cold weather, crews plan to demobilize from the work site for about two months in January and February. Around March when temperatures begin to rise, crews are expected to proceed with roadway alignment modifications to Brookside Drive, decorative stone work and the installation of native landscaping.
“We are thankful for the patience and support of the neighborhoods and Art Museum as we construct this transformational project,” says Preston. “As the general shape of the channel and pools have taken shape, one promising sign is that a couple ducks and other wildlife have been seen enjoying the waterway. This return to nature is what we’re aiming for with the project and is a sign that these improvements will be worth the wait.”
For more information on the project and to subscribe to receive regular email updates, visit springfieldmo.gov/samstormwater.
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For more information contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected]v.