Drivers commuting in and around southwest Springfield will have a new north-south route available beginning on Feb. 2.
Phase 1 of the Kansas Expressway Extension is set to open to motorists after months of delays, according to a press release from the Greene County Commission.
The stretch of Kansas Expressway from Republic Road to Weaver Road will be open to drivers beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday. Additional work along Weaver prompted the need to keep the remaining portion of Phase 1, from Weaver Road to Plainview Road, closed until Feb. 9, according to the release.
Previously, Phase 1 was estimated to be completed by Nov. 1, 2023, but utility conflicts have delayed construction.
In addition to extending a two-lane Kansas Expressway further south, the project includes stormwater improvements and a 10-foot wide mixed-use pathway.
When commuting on the new roadway, drivers may see additional work being performed away from traffic. Work is also slated for the intersection Kansas Expressway and Republic Road, where new metal traffic light poles will be installed once they are shipped and arrive in Springfield.
Emery Sapp and Sons, the firm awarded the $15.7 million contract for Phase 1 of the extension, has also been selected as the contractor for Phase 2. Work on the second phase has already begun and is set to be completed in late 2025, according to Greene County Highway Department Assistant Administrator Mark Webb.
