FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The eastbound lane of Cherry Street will close between Fremont Avenue and Weller Avenue beginning at 7 a.m., Monday, June 14 for the start of construction on the Cherry and Pickwick Intersection and Traffic Calming Project. Project completion is anticipated in October.
Residents can expect traffic flow through the work zone to be limited to a single lane of westbound traffic for a large portion of the project duration. Eastbound traffic is advised to follow the marked detour. Sidewalks will also be impacted throughout construction, as crews work to relocate utilities and enhance pedestrian offerings in the area. Residents can expect periodic complete nighttime closures for utility work and a week-long closure near the end of the project for the installation of crosswalks.
Project improvements will extend along Cherry Street 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.
Cherry Street functions as a busy secondary arterial in Springfield’s roadway network. The goals of the project are to slow down traffic, create a safer and more inviting environment for pedestrians and also contribute to the growing area’s sense of place through aesthetic design features and landscaping. The installation of three crosswalks in the area will further signal to motorists that they are entering a pedestrian friendly area and they should slow down and use caution.
The Cherry and Pickwick Intersection and Traffic Calming Project is estimated to cost approximately $170,000 and will be funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax Alternative Transportation program. City Utilities will be funding utility renewal work throughout the project area. The City has contracted with D&E Plumbing & Heating to complete the work.
Motorists are advised to follow all marked detours. Please use caution when traveling through the work site.
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For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at [email protected] or 573-819-3713.