Springfield: City to host Jefferson Avenue Footbridge construction kickoff ceremony June 18

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City to host Jefferson Avenue Footbridge construction kickoff ceremony June 18

The community is invited to a Construction Kickoff Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18 for the historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Rehabilitation. The City of Springfield will host the ceremony at the C-Street Market Pavilion (321 E. Commercial Street).

About the project

Due to the fracture-critical nature of the bridge and the variety of rehabilitation work required, the construction team, including Public Works, Branco Enterprises and Great River Engineering, determined the safest and most efficient strategy for rehabilitation of the historic footbridge is to disassemble the bridge and rehabilitate it on the ground before reconstructing it later this year.

Branco has conducted spot abatement of paint and rivet removal and has begun removing the bridge decking in preparation for construction

The bridge span across the railroad tracks will be dismantled and moved in large pieces to the BNSF rail yard. A majority of the span will be placed in the rail yard to the north and a smaller portion will go to the south. Crews will also begin demolition and reconstruction of the bridge footings.

While the bridge is on the ground, crews will encapsulate the bridge span to remove paint, replace the structurally deficient steel members, replace the wood decking and stairs, repaint the bridge and install new lighting.

Elevators will be installed on the north and south approaches to bring the bridge into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide access to all.

The bridge span is expected to be reconstructed 3-4 feet higher than its previous height this fall, followed by the finalization of the stairs and elevator construction. Raising the historic structure will provide additional clearance above the tracks and allow BNSF to perform future track maintenance and rail replacements while protecting the historic bridge.

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Completion of the rehabilitation is anticipated for early 2026.

History

Built in 1902, the 562-foot-long steel bridge allows pedestrians to cross 13 tracks of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail yard between Chase Street and Commercial Street.

The Jefferson Avenue Footbridge was the first of its kind to be built in Missouri and is unique in engineering and historic significance. The footbridge was built at public expense by The American Bridge Company of Pennsylvania. Its innovative multi-arched cantilever design made it possible for workers to construct the bridge by spanning out over the railroad tracks, thereby minimizing impacts to the rail lines below. The bridge also represents the history of two cities coming together – North and South – and the community's connection to the railroad and the commercial growth opportunities it provided.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge continues as a symbol of growth and opportunity today. Prior to its closure, the bridge served as a vital pedestrian and bicycle connection, linking the booming Commercial Street Historic District to the Woodland Heights Neighborhood and helping to spur growth of the Moon City Creative District across the tracks to the north.

The bridge was closed in March of 2016 due to safety concerns after Public Works discovered corrosion and steel loss during a routine inspection. The City hired Springfield-based Great River Engineering (GRE) to conduct an in-depth structural evaluation of the bridge. Results uncovered deficiencies in more than one third of the primary structural members and required the continued closure of the bridge until extensive repairs could be made.

For more information on the project and to sign up to receive regular project email updates, visit springfieldmo.gov/footbridge.

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About the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge

Built in 1902, the 562-foot-long steel bridge allows pedestrians to cross 13 tracks of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail yard between Chase Street and Commercial Street.

The Jefferson Avenue Footbridge was the first of its kind to be built in Missouri and is unique in engineering and historic significance. The footbridge was built at public expense by The American Bridge Company of Pennsylvania. Its innovative multi-arched cantilever design made it possible for workers to construct the bridge by spanning out over the railroad tracks, thereby minimizing impacts to the rail lines below. The bridge also represents the history of two cities coming together – North and South – and the community's connection to the railroad and the commercial growth opportunities it provided.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge continues as a symbol of growth and opportunity today. Prior to its closure, the bridge served as a vital pedestrian and bicycle connection, linking the booming Commercial Street Historic District to the Woodland Heights Neighborhood and helping to spur growth of the Moon City Creative District across the tracks to the north.

The bridge was closed in March of 2016 due to safety concerns after Public Works discovered corrosion and steel loss during a routine inspection. The City hired Springfield-based Great River Engineering (GRE) to conduct an in-depth structural evaluation of the bridge. Results uncovered deficiencies in more than one third of the primary structural members and required the continued closure of the bridge until extensive repairs could be made.

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Media Contact: Senior Communications Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].

Filed Under: Government, City
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