Chestnut Railroad Bridge Project in Springfield

Progress Report:  

• Fifteen of the 16 columns needed to support the new bridge are complete (one more column will be built once traffic is moved from the bypass to the south half of the bridge in late summer)
• It is possible that crews will install bridge girders around the first part of May
• Once girders are installed, crews will install the foundation for the future bridge deck/driving surface
• Crews are focusing on building retaining walls on the south side of Chestnut on either side of the railroad tracks so that fill (rock and dirt) can be hauled in to raise the elevation of Chestnut Expressway to meet the new bridge
• Thanks for your continued patience! 

Work Scheduled:  

• Building bridge end on west side of railroad tracks
• Building retaining walls along Chestnut Expressway on west side of railroad tracks 

Traffic Impacts:  

• CHESTNUT EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC USING TEMPORARY BYPASS:
  • Expect traffic backups and delays on eastbound Chestnut Expressway west of Belcrest Avenue at heavy traffic volume times. Drivers urged to use both eastbound lanes and take turns merging into one lane as they enter work zone.
  • Chestnut Expressway traffic shifted to north of existing roadway
  • Two westbound lanes open
  • One eastbound lane open
  • Left-turns restricted at Belcrest Avenue/Chestnut Expressway intersection. Drivers urged to obey restricted left turns.
  • Drivers urged to find alternate routes including Kearney Street and Sunshine Street to reach downtown areas of Springfield
• Camera view of project 

(Weather or construction delays could alter the work schedule.) 

Project Summary:

• Build a bridge on Chestnut Expressway over the railroad tracks west of Route 65
• Build new roads on either side of Chestnut Expressway to provide access to area businesses
• Install a new traffic signal at Ingram Mill Road and Chestnut Expressway
• First phase of construction: June to December 2016. Prime contractor: D&E Blasting & Excavating, Nixa -- COMPLETED
• Second phase of construction: January 2017 to November 2017. Prime contractor: Lehman Construction Company, California 
• Partnership project: Springfield, Greene County, Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad & MoDOT
• Completion Date: November 2017
• Total Project Cost: $14.8 million 

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