Cox South tunnel to open under National

The Cox South tunnel road that goes underneath National Avenue is scheduled to open July 26 at 6 a.m.

The tunnel is a part of the $9.7 million partnership project, involving CoxHealth, MoDOT and the city of Springfield, that included rebuilding the interchange at the intersection of National Avenue and James River Freeway, according to a CoxHealth news release. The diverging diamond interchange became operational July 12.

The tunnel will primarily affect those headed north on National toward Cox. Northbound drivers will need to turn right onto Bradford Parkway and then right again to get onto the tunnel road that goes under National, the release said.

It also, however, will make for easier access to facilities both east and west of National, according to the release.

CoxHealth security will be stationed near the tunnel road entrance and on CoxHealth property to assist drivers, the release said.

The tunnel is expected to help ease traffic on National Avenue near Cox South, according to the release.[[In-content Ad]]