(KTTS News) — The City of Springfield has received $8 million from MoDOT to restore the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge.
The pedestrian bridge in north Springfield has been closed for the past seven years because it needs major repairs.
The city could start taking bids for the project as soon as this winter.
Press Release
Following the $8 million state budget appropriation for the rehabilitation of the historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge announced this summer, Springfield Public Works has determined a plan with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) for the process to gain access to the funding.
Public Works expects to bring the formal agreement forward for City Council approval this fall.
Once the agreement is signed, Public Works anticipates advertising the project for contractor bids this winter.
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.
In 2021, approximately $15,000 was approved for funding through the C-Street TIF to complete a concept design of the Footbridge Plaza.
However, there is currently no funding identified for the full design or construction of any updates to the Plaza.
Project team members are assessing previously budgeted local funds and any other funding opportunities to determine what sources could qualify for future improvements to the Footbridge Plaza.
