The first-day jitters at Parkview High School this year won’t include navigating a construction zone.
The City of Springfield says construction on the first section of the Grant Avenue Parkway, near Parkview, is expected to reopen to traffic on schedule by the start of the upcoming school year.
“We’re pleased with the progress made so far and happy that we’re on schedule in this first, very important stretch of the Parkway,” said Leree Reese, Public Works project manager, in a press release. “We’re under a pretty strict timeline because of school traffic, so it was vital that we close the street entirely so crews could work quickly, safely and efficiently.”
Work began between Ildereen Street and Catalpa Street in mid-May, with contractor Radmacher Brothers Excavating Company closing a single lane of Grant Avenue to begin utility work. Construction ramped up as crews closed the roadway segment entirely to traffic after the final day of classes.
So far in section one, crews have completed utility relocations and the renewal of gas and water lines. A portion of the pavement has been demolished to make room for pedestrian and green space improvements. Grading and subsurface of the new outline of the roadway and roundabout is in place.
Curb and gutter and the installation of electric conduit and bases for new light poles are in progress this week. Asphalt paving is expected the week of July 25, weather permitting.
“Once the electrical infrastructure is completely installed, the power poles currently in place will be taken down, and the community will get a taste of the open feel the project is working to achieve along the Parkway route,” Reese said. “It's also important to note that even after we reopen this section to traffic, there may still be electrical, sidewalk or path construction left to complete.”
More information on the construction face of the Grant Avenue Parkway is available online.
