The first phase of a six-lane road linking MacArthur Boulevard to Interstate 72 is expected to cost nearly $22.5 million, including six bridges, a new interchange, road-relocation and preserving a bicycle path.
Bids for the groundwork and infrastructure were opened early March 2007 by the Illinois Department of Transportation. A second round of bids will be taken for paving, sidewalks and traffic signals, possibly early next year.
The first phase of the project should be completed by the end of 2008. This phase of the project would be paid for with a combination of federal, state and city funds. The City of Springfield’s share is expected to be at least $4.5 million, though much of that could be covered by federal grants.
Illinois Department of Transportation officials expect paving, sidewalk and traffic-signal bids to be taken early 2008 and the second phase completed by the end of 2009.
Highlights of the first phase
- Groundwork for a two-mile, six-lane road from near the south end of MacArthur Boulevard to Interstate 72.
- A new interstate interchange. Recreation Drive will be relocated to an intersection with the MacArthur extension immediately south of the interchange.
- Four new bridges. One over the Norfolk Southern railroad, one to take MacArthur over I-72, an eastbound on-ramp bridge and a westbound off-ramp bridge. Two existing bridges also will be rebuilt.
- The Interurban Trail bike path will be taken over the Norfolk Southern railroad and under I-72 to continue the link to Chatham.
- Construction is expected to begin this spring and should be completed by the end of 2008. A second phase is scheduled for completion in 2009.
Click here to view a map of the proposed extension.
Sources:
Illinois Department of Transportation
The State Journal – Register
