Citizens have until mid-October to comment on two area transportation projects, including the multi-million dollar proposed extension of Kansas Expressway in southwest Springfield.
The Ozarks Transportation Organization is asking for input on final design and environmental work on the project. If approved, it would be added to the organization’s Transportation Improvement Plan, making it eligible for federal funds. The amendment is valued at $3 million, with $2.4 million coming from federal highway funds.
Natasha Longpine is the principle planner for the Ozarks Transportation Organization.
“That final design will also look at a lot more information than we have currently. The very specific alignment and elevations and soil work and that sort of thing that needs to be done and so at that point they should be able to have a good estimation number to use forward for construction,” Longpine said.
She says the initial plan for the project would extend Kansas Expressway just south of Republic Road to create a more “boulevard look” for Springfield.
“Well it’s going to take Kansas Expressway from Republic Road, where it ends currently, and follow some path south, and at this point the county is only taking it to the future east/west arterial which is about Farm Road 190.”
The entire project could take between five to 10 years to complete.
Following the public comment period, the OTO Board of Directors will decide whether to formally adopt the amendment at its October 16 meeting.
The current comment period also asks for citizen input on sidewalks in Willard.
The amendment will be available for review at the Ozarks Transportation Organization offices and here. Comments may be submitted in writing to Ozarks Transportation Organization, 205 Park Central East, Suite 205, Springfield, MO 65806, emailed to comment@ozarkstransportation.org or faxed to 417-862-6013.