Century-old Jefferson Avenue Footbridge regains luster

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A part of Springfield's history is celebrating its centennial. The 100-year-old, 562-foot Jefferson Avenue Footbridge will be rededicated during the centennial celebration Sept. 2.|ret||ret||tab|

The original landmark structure was completed in late August 1902, according to Marc Thornsberry, director of Springfield Public Works. The bridge served as a convenient connection for Woodland Heights residents to busy Commercial Street.|ret||ret||tab|

"This historic structure provides both a real and symbolic connectivity link for Springfield," Thornsberry said. "Obviously, we are very pleased that it's seen as a real showpiece for the community that can spark further development activity."|ret||ret||tab|

For the last 10 years the Commercial Club of Springfield has worked to promote interest and raise funds to save and restore the bridge. With the aid of Walnut Street Historic District, the Downtown Springfield Association and the Urban Districts Alliance, the group achieved its goal.|ret||ret||tab|

Affinis Corporation (formerly Larkin Group Consulting Engineers Inc.) was the project manager for the $637,000 renovation. The company's corporate headquarters is located in Overland Park, Kan.|ret||ret||tab|

The structural engineer for the project was Tim Cahill with Affinis Corp. John Burk Construction Inc. did the bridge repairs and Thomas Industrial Coatings handled the painting and deck replacement.|ret||ret||tab|

Brad Tate, office manager for the Springfield branch of Affinis Corporation, credits Mary Collette, Commercial Street business owner and city councilwoman, with making the renovation project happen.|ret||ret||tab|

"Collette has been the person behind the project to get the funding pushed through," Tate said.|ret||ret||tab|

Work on the project began in September l995, Tate said. Preliminary estimates came in low in the early planning stages, but delays increased costs because of material price increases and further deterioration of the structure.|ret||ret||tab|

"The longer you wait, the worse it gets," Tate said.|ret||ret||tab|

Funding for the project came from a combination of federal, state and local grants. Meeting requirements of the Missouri Historic Preservation Office was one of the biggest challenges, according to Tate. The goal was to keep the aesthetics as close as possible to the original structure.|ret||ret||tab|

Along with rehabilitation of the bridge, plazas were created at each end. They are surfaced with interlocking concrete pavers, accented by raised tree wells complete with irrigation and lighting systems. The decorative plazas were designed and installed by Ownby Associates Landscape Architecture/ Planning.|ret||ret||tab|

The bridge has been painted white instead of the original gray to make it stand out on the landscape, Tate said.|ret||ret||tab|

Along with replacement of rusted steel members and new decking, a lighting system has been added to accent the footbridge. The lights can be changed for special occasions to add to the dramatic effect of the structure.|ret||ret||tab|

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