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News covering policy and issues related to city and county governments in the Ozarks.

Bennett/Jefferson Intersection Open--Mostly

Lee Cannon; Flickr

Bennett Street at Jefferson, which has been closed for a long time, is now open—but not all of it.  The Fassnight Creek Stormwater and Greenway Trail Improvements Project included reconstruction of bridges and roadways and flood plain improvements to reduce flooding hazards to motorists and nearby neighborhoods, according to a news release from the city of Springfield.

But the city closed the eastbound lane of Jefferson Monday after receiving concerns from citizens about sight line issues at the new intersection.  The problem:  a rock wall at the southwest corner.  According to the city, engineers were at the site Monday investigating improvement possibilities.

Phase 2 of the project, which closed part of Jefferson, included raised streets and new bridges and Bennett and Jefferson to safely pass the 100-year flood, stream bank stabilization to reduce erosion and protect adjacent properties, a detention basin to improve water quality and flood plain improvements to reduce flood damage to nearby properties.

The $3.8 million project included the purchase of 15 properties in the flood plain.  It was funded by stormwater bonds approved by voters in 2001 and 2004.  Additional funding was provided by the  Springfield-Greene County Parks Sales Tax approved by voters in 2006.

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.