17-04-2025
Projected timeline for Jefferson Avenue Footbridge rehabilitation
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The City of Springfield hosted an informational meeting about what residents can expect with the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Rehabilitation Project.
Project manager Nicholas Edelman with The City of Springfield says currently the construction team is working on removing the wooden decking. Edelman says the construction has been a long time coming.
'I know I at least I'm excited to see this project get moving forward,' Edelman said. 'And to to see finally the bridge rehabilitated and and reopen to the public is is going to be an exciting day.'
'I am so excited, we have waited for years for this,' said Christine Schilling who lives and works on Commercial Street.
Schilling says the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge is a historic landmark and attraction for people from Springfield and across the country.
'I have seen cars with license plates from all over the country stopping here so that people can see the footbridge,' Schilling said.
The Footbridge is a point of interest for many train enthusiasts as well. A livestream of the Footbridge and the trains underneath is even featured as part of the Steel Highway rail cam system.
'I am very excited I have been coming up here once and twice a week to look at the progress,' said Dan Dawson with the Railroad Historical Museum in Grant Beach Park. 'I'm really excited and I can't wait until it gets done.'
At the meeting, Edelman detailed the upcoming timeline now that construction is underway specifically the dismantling and moving of the bridge in large sections during the construction.
The construction team determined it would be safest to take parts of the bridge down to the ground to restore them, this part of the process will be starting in May. The City is planning a construction kick-off and viewing event during this time, details will be coming soon.
The full projected timeline is featured below. For more information about the project, a recording of the informational reading, and a way to sign up for updates on the project you can visit the project website.
April – Removal of wooden bridge decking. Begin installation of rail panels and equipment mobilization.
Early May – Construction Kickoff & Viewing Event and dismantling of bridge structure
May – July – Removal of Towers. Demolition and construction of footings. Removal and replacement of structurally deficient members.
July – Encapsulation and removal of paint
Late Summer/Early Fall – elevator construction
Early Fall – Anticipated reconstruction of bridge span over the tracks
Fall/Winter – Finalize stairs and elevator construction
Early 2026 – Anticipated completion
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