ozarksian

Don't forget to vote "YES" on the transportation tax tomorrow (those of you that live in the Springfield city limits). I know that everyone is tired of taxes and cash is strapped, but I also know that everyone that reads this forum wants these cool projects and more get built in Springfield. Investment in infrastructure is important and pays itself off in the long run. Not too mention, sales taxes are good because the cost is shared with people that don't live in Springfield but still use our roads and services. I hope it passes... six-lane US 65; interchange improvements at Kansas and I-44, National and James River, and Campbell and James River; various other intersection improvements, and more!

Weaver Road and Campbell intersection is going to be relocated slightly to the north. The relocation of Highway 266 (West Chestnut) and the new airport road should be starting soon. Highway 65 from Valley Water Mill Road to almost Buffalo is becoming four-lane. East Kearney from US 65 to LeCompte is becoming four-lane. That is all I can think of right now. Like you said, you covered most of the major ones.

Don't forget to vote!

Merry Christmas, all! Drive safely if you are out and about.

I thought I should post this News-Leader informational article for anyone who might be interested: Cider Days This is a huge event that showcases a lot of artists of various kinds. I assume you can get some cider too.

They will do it, but it'll take more time than the first phase. Have any of you been down to the National Ave construction. Like I said, they had enough room for six lanes between the pedestrian walkway supports. And only one of the sidewalks had to go on the outside of the support (the west side).

My buddies and I went out of our way to drive on it today on our way to Miami, OK. The flyover is pretty sweet.

When I worked for the City of Springfield for a little while, I saw an Engineering department's proposed preliminary "blueprint" of a six-lane expansion of National from Primrose to James River Freeway. It has been so long though that I can't remember nor picture in my head what the plans did with the supports to the pedestrian overpass (assuming that they even stuck with those plans; I think that they had been around for a few years). If I had to guess: There is enough room between the supports for a six-lane cross section with a very minimal median. Then they will wrap the sidewalk on both sides around the supports. They wouldn't have to fit those in. I guess we'll see when it's all done!

I was at Primrose and National today and I noticed that the preliminary work had begun to widen that intersection and also make National six lanes from Primrose to James River Freeway.

This week, construction begins on making Highway 65 four lanes from Valley Water Mill Rd. in Springfield to Fair Grove. This is expected to be done by the end of 2008. The cost is $16.7 million.

I totally agree with you about this. For instance, at Sunshine and Highway 65, all that is needed at that interchange for a six-lane 65 is a restriping of that bridge -- it's already wide enough. That kind of foresight is very important.

I don't think it's as much of a matter of city planning as it is a lack of funds. MoDOT, Ozarks Transportation Org, City of Springfield, nor anyone else has enough money to fund half the things that need to be done. This has nothing to do with a lack of will or planning.