Trending...
- Springfield: City planners to host workshops with center city registered neighborhoods - 201
- Springfield: City planners to host workshops with center city registered neighborhoods - 175
- Springfield: Bicyclist hit by vehicle, killed
The long ~ Springfield, MO - After years of anticipation, the rehabilitation of the historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge is finally set to begin in May. However, before any construction can take place, the 123-year-old bridge must first be disassembled.
The decision to disassemble the bridge was made by a team consisting of Public Works, Branco Enterprises, and Great River Engineering. Due to the fracture-critical nature of the bridge and the extensive rehabilitation work needed, this was deemed as the safest and most efficient strategy.
Branco Enterprises has already started preparing for construction by conducting spot abatement of paint and removing rivets. They have also begun removing the bridge decking. In late April, they will begin mobilizing equipment and supplies for the project. To ensure safety during this process, large panels will be installed over the railroad tracks to allow for heavy equipment and cranes to be moved in.
The next step in this process will take place in early May when Branco begins dismantling and moving the bridge span across the railroad tracks. The majority of the span will be placed in the BNSF rail yard to the north, with a smaller portion going to the south. At this time, crews will also begin demolishing and reconstructing the bridge footings.
More on Missouriar
While on the ground, crews will work on encapsulating the bridge span to remove paint, replace structurally deficient steel members, replace wood decking and stairs, repaint it, and install new lighting. Additionally, elevators will be installed on both approaches to make it compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations and provide access for all individuals.
Once these initial steps are completed, reconstruction of the bridge span is expected to take place later this fall. The height of the bridge will also be raised by 3-4 feet from its previous height. This is necessary to provide additional clearance above the tracks for future maintenance work by BNSF while still preserving the historic integrity of the bridge. The finalization of stairs and elevator construction will follow, with the project expected to be completed in early 2026.
To celebrate this milestone, the City of Springfield, along with project partners Historic Commercial Street, BNSF Railway, Great River Engineering, and Branco Enterprises, is planning a construction kickoff and viewing event during the dismantling of the bridge. More details about this event will be announced once scheduling information is finalized.
More on Missouriar
For more information on the project and to sign up for regular email updates, interested individuals can visit springfieldmo.gov/footbridge.
The Jefferson Avenue Footbridge holds significant historical and engineering importance. Built in 1902 by The American Bridge Company of Pennsylvania, it was the first bridge of its kind to be constructed in Missouri. Its innovative multi-arched cantilever design allowed for minimal disruption to the rail lines below during construction. The bridge also symbolizes the unification of North and South Springfield and their connection to the railroad industry.
In 2003, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Prior to its closure in 2016 due to safety concerns, it served as a vital pedestrian and bicycle connection between Commercial Street Historic District and Woodland Heights Neighborhood. It also played a role in promoting growth in the Moon City Creative District located across the tracks to the north.
The closure was necessary after Public Works discovered corrosion and steel loss during a routine inspection. To address these issues, Great River Engineering conducted a thorough structural evaluation which revealed deficiencies in over one third of the primary structural members. This led to its continued closure until extensive repairs could be made.
With rehabilitation work set to begin soon, residents can look forward to once again utilizing this iconic piece of Springfield's history as a means of connecting different parts of their community.
The decision to disassemble the bridge was made by a team consisting of Public Works, Branco Enterprises, and Great River Engineering. Due to the fracture-critical nature of the bridge and the extensive rehabilitation work needed, this was deemed as the safest and most efficient strategy.
Branco Enterprises has already started preparing for construction by conducting spot abatement of paint and removing rivets. They have also begun removing the bridge decking. In late April, they will begin mobilizing equipment and supplies for the project. To ensure safety during this process, large panels will be installed over the railroad tracks to allow for heavy equipment and cranes to be moved in.
The next step in this process will take place in early May when Branco begins dismantling and moving the bridge span across the railroad tracks. The majority of the span will be placed in the BNSF rail yard to the north, with a smaller portion going to the south. At this time, crews will also begin demolishing and reconstructing the bridge footings.
More on Missouriar
- San Antonio Buyer Secures 2.375% Mortgage in 2025-Broker Reveals the Mistake Costing Buyers Thousands
- Heritage at South Brunswick Grand Opening Success!
- Springfield: Application Deadline Approaching for Green for Greene Environmental Job Training
- Columbia: State of the City address scheduled for May 23
- Columbia Police respond to fatal crash in the 1200 block of Business Loop 70 West
While on the ground, crews will work on encapsulating the bridge span to remove paint, replace structurally deficient steel members, replace wood decking and stairs, repaint it, and install new lighting. Additionally, elevators will be installed on both approaches to make it compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations and provide access for all individuals.
Once these initial steps are completed, reconstruction of the bridge span is expected to take place later this fall. The height of the bridge will also be raised by 3-4 feet from its previous height. This is necessary to provide additional clearance above the tracks for future maintenance work by BNSF while still preserving the historic integrity of the bridge. The finalization of stairs and elevator construction will follow, with the project expected to be completed in early 2026.
To celebrate this milestone, the City of Springfield, along with project partners Historic Commercial Street, BNSF Railway, Great River Engineering, and Branco Enterprises, is planning a construction kickoff and viewing event during the dismantling of the bridge. More details about this event will be announced once scheduling information is finalized.
More on Missouriar
- $1B Target by 2027 Amid eSIM, Global Roaming Expansion; $57.6M Q1 Revenue and Market Uplisting, Advancing Toward IQSTEL, Inc. (Stock Symbol: IQST)
- LIB TH-50/TH-80 Benchtop Environmental Chamber Drives Global Demand
- Marc Soucy's Newest Music Series Approaches Its One Year Mark
- Fairmint Releases Whitepaper for Open Captable Protocol (OCP) to Advance On-Chain Equity Securities
- Columbia Police respond to shooting on Rice Road, May 15
For more information on the project and to sign up for regular email updates, interested individuals can visit springfieldmo.gov/footbridge.
The Jefferson Avenue Footbridge holds significant historical and engineering importance. Built in 1902 by The American Bridge Company of Pennsylvania, it was the first bridge of its kind to be constructed in Missouri. Its innovative multi-arched cantilever design allowed for minimal disruption to the rail lines below during construction. The bridge also symbolizes the unification of North and South Springfield and their connection to the railroad industry.
In 2003, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Prior to its closure in 2016 due to safety concerns, it served as a vital pedestrian and bicycle connection between Commercial Street Historic District and Woodland Heights Neighborhood. It also played a role in promoting growth in the Moon City Creative District located across the tracks to the north.
The closure was necessary after Public Works discovered corrosion and steel loss during a routine inspection. To address these issues, Great River Engineering conducted a thorough structural evaluation which revealed deficiencies in over one third of the primary structural members. This led to its continued closure until extensive repairs could be made.
With rehabilitation work set to begin soon, residents can look forward to once again utilizing this iconic piece of Springfield's history as a means of connecting different parts of their community.
0 Comments
Latest on Missouriar
- The ROS1ders Announces Recipients of 2024 ROS1+ Cancer Innovation Awards
- The Podcast "Financial Freedom with Tom Hegna" will Feature an Interview with Parker Faulkner
- David Cameron selected as Springfield, Missouri City Manager
- AUACOM Signs a Statement of Shared Interest with BMCC
- David Cameron selected as Springfield, Missouri City Manager
- WWSG Announces Exclusive Speaking Partnership with Patrick McGee, Author of 'Apple in China'
- Multi-Billion Dollar Drone Cleaning Market Addressed via New UAE Office, AI Drone and Quantum Computing Solutions in Varied Industries ZenaTech, Inc
- Spac Recovery Co. Files $590 Million Lawsuit Against Blackstone Products, Nomura , Franklin Square, Oaktree et al
- Columbia hosts national-level emergency response training course
- NBA Champion Lamar Odom Launches Anti-Addiction Meme Coin, Sparking Disruptive Innovation in Web3
- Plan Signed to Purchase Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute as Clinical Treatment Model and Leading Investigative Site Addressing Suicidal Depression
- Tribeca Film Festival Official Podcast Selection Lead Features Hollywood Stars, Focuses On Ending Childhood Lead Poisoning In New York!
- Industrial Parts Fittings Champions the Revival of American Manufacturing
- Daniel Schmitt & Co. Acquires Rare Dual-Ghia Convertible Once Owned by Frank Sinatra
- $34 Billion Market in 2025 Advancing to $45 Billion in 2026 for Phase III Development of New Blood Thinner, Less Problematic Than Warfrain: $CVKD
- Pikmykid Launches $100,000 School Safety Grant Giveaway to Support K–12 Schools Across the U.S
- Slotozilla Data Report: Unveiling 2024's Gaming Statistics
- BK Flooring Releases Their Top Reasons to Upgrade Kitchen Tile Flooring in 2025
- The OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation Certify Results of Technical Advisory Committee Elections
- The Smart Choice: Why Early Tooth Extractions Can Protect Your Oral Health