Surveying work to begin on Grant Avenue Parkway

Early signs of the multimillion-dollar Grant Avenue Parkway project will begin next week as engineering firms conduct survey work.

Consulting engineers Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Inc. and CJW Transportation Consultants LLC on Aug. 17 will start measuring infrastructure in public right of way and privately-owned structures along the corridor, according to a news release. The field work is slated to continue through October.

“It’s important that area residents are aware of what’s going on throughout each step of this project. With this in-depth survey work, we’re just getting started,” said Leree Reese, project manager with the city's Public Works Department, in the release. "This is important data that will help in developing a feasible concept for the project and – a few more steps down the road – a final design.”

The Grant Avenue Parkway project calls for a greenway trail system and transportation improvements along a 3.3-mile stretch of Grant Avenue from Sunshine Street to Walnut Street – connecting downtown with Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. The city received $21 million in federal grant funding last year, and around $5.2 million in city matching funds are required.

Springfield City Council late last month established a 180-day administrative delay of demolition, new construction, replatting and rezoning along the proposed project area. City officials are seeking public input on the project to prepare improvement recommendations for council, according to past reporting.

The Grant Avenue Parkway must be complete by 2026, according to the grant provisions.