SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Locals are celebrating the approval of $8 million in state transportation funding to renovate the internationally famous Jefferson Avenue Footbridge.
The 562-foot bridge sits in the heart of the Commercial Street District. Pedestrian and vehicular travel was restricted due to the construction of a new fire station in 1902, and suddenly the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge was born.
The structure has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior and has been closed for eight years due to unsafe conditions for the public.
The Commercial Club of Springfield has been instrumental in ensuring the bridge stays in place throughout the years, and received two large allocations in the 1990s to keep it updated. The structure was re-dedicated in 2002 at its centennial celebration.
Mary Collette, president of the Commercial Club of Springfield, says the “Eiffel Tower of Springfield” has now received a new chance at life on C-Street after Gov. Mike Parson recently signed off on the state transportation fund.
After hearing the news, Collette told The Heartlander that the “C” on C-Street suddenly has new meaning: champagne and celebration.
“There were people who were crying,” Collette said. “Some of our neighbors in Woodland Heights dropped by, and we had champagne on ice at the firehouse. We told a number of people, and are anticipating a grand celebration for the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge.”
Collette says the city has held many events at the footbridge throughout the years, from religious activities to farmers’ markets at the southside entrance. Collette says locals will truly realize how much of an attraction the bridge is once it’s back up and running.
“The footbridge has been the focal point of the north Springfield community. It is a very popular destination, event-wise. When it was open, we had people come from all over the world to traverse it. Cox North had their early morning bootcamp on it, and a lot of running groups have used it in the past. It means so much to so many here in Springfield. We’re just thrilled we were able to get the funding to give it another 100 years of those fun activities and as a tourist destination.”
Planners have discussed a full restoration of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, complete with stand-alone elevators for handicap accessibility and an LED lighting system.
In a press release, the city says it is now gathering information to determine a rehabilitation timeline. The city’s project team has begun coordinating with the Missouri Department of Transportation and will soon decide when to advertise for contracting bids.
The city will host a public information meeting in late summer or fall to advise C-Street stakeholders and other locals about the future of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge and assess input on footbridge plaza improvements.
