SBJ.net Poll

Which major Springfield construction project are you most looking forward to seeing completed, and why?

For poll results, click here.

What Readers Think

Midfield terminal at Springfield-Branson National Airport

One can only hope that upon completion of this project, additional airlines will come to Springfield. Our airport has suffered for more than a decade with over-inflated airfare and losing business to other airports in Kansas City, Tulsa, Okla., St. Louis and northwest Arkansas. Perhaps with the additional space and competition potentially moving in, the prices of airfare will become more competitive. If prices continue to rise … the airport could soon become a prime location for another outlet mall.

—Denis Clough, AmeriPride Services Inc.

With a new terminal and better access, we can only hope that Springfield will finally be viewed as a true regional destination for airlines such as Southwest. Many discount carriers fly to destinations in other states with locations and populations similar to Springfield. … I’m sure my company would appreciate not paying American Airlines’ rates for my bimonthly business trips to Dallas if this were to happen. In addition, the new terminal is definitely going to be the primary driver for more business development and growth in this region.

—Shaun Adams, Hotels.com/Expedia Inc.

Interstate 44/Highway 65 interchange

The intersection will affect thousands of people in the area where the other projects have less impact on the general public. College Station has been talked about for so long that I don’t want to hear about it anymore until it is time for the grand opening. The renovations at Cox North will be huge but also quite awhile in the future, and St. John’s has been building and renovating forever, it seems, so there is no sense of urgency for me.

—Lori Johnson, TelComm Credit Union

This intersection has been the source of so many accidents and daily frustration for many years. I go out of my way to avoid this interchange. Yesterday would not be too soon.

—Ed Hodge, Positronic

College Station

College Station is yet another piece in a puzzle that will continue bringing people downtown, which is quickly re-establishing itself as the heart of the city. Besides simply adding to the number of things to do and experience, this project actually helps our company recruit and retain design professionals who are looking at working in bigger cities for the urban lifestyle.

—Bruce K. Adib-Yazdi, Butler, Rosenbury & Partners

CoxHealth’s north campus renovation

Each of these projects is important for Springfield, so it is a hard choice until you look at the need we have in north Springfield for health care options. I was in an accident on North Glenstone, just south of Kearney, and had to endure a painful ambulance ride, during rush-hour traffic, to Cox South. … I felt this way before my accident, but the personal experience only confirmed my opinion. Cox and St. John’s have served nearly all of my family’s needs for generations, and I am always torn between which I like better. While Springfield is blessed with some of the very best health care in the country, it doesn’t alleviate the need for that campus to be a full-service health center, including emergency and trauma care.

—Buck Van Hooser, Prestressed Casting Co.

Current Question

What will be the greatest benefit to Springfield from the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, and why?

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