The first phase of the project is expected to start in 2024 and cost $2.5 million. The second, which is slated to start in 2025, is estimated to cost $6 million. Funding for the first phase has been secured and is a mixture of state and federal dollars, said Chris Moore, the service director for the City of Springfield.
He added that $2.4 million for the first phase of the South Limestone Street project comes from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
City officials said in a news release that the purpose of the project is to make South Limestone Street “a safer transportation corridor that serves as a gateway to Springfield for pedestrians and motorists, while fostering economic development in the region.”
They describe it as gateway to the city from the south and it is the home to a number of businesses. A virtual presentation by the city stated that 16,000 vehicles per day go through the area that would be under reconstruction.
“Several studies looked at crash issues, traffic flow, safety, visual appeal and overall economic development potential,” according to a digital pamphlet produced by the city.
The project proposes the installation of a raised median from the approximately half-mile stretch from Leffel Lane to John Street as well as the installation of left turn loons at the Leffel Lane and John Street intersections. A loon is defined as a widened location near an intersection so that vehicles can make U-Turns from the left turn lane.
It was one of three alternatives that were considered as part of the project to reduce the number of left turns, which was reported as a common crash type.
Moore said the project will also improve sidewalks as well as install more greenspace between the street and sidewalks on that section of South Limestone Street.
The city routinely schedules reconstructions of area roadways, Moore said. He added that “there is point you reach when you can no longer just resurface the road. Eventually you are going to have to do a full reconstruction.”
The city is seeking feedback on the project and comments are requested by Jan. 12. Visit springfieldohio.gov/limestone-project for more information.
The city is also planning to reconstruct portions of South Yellow Springs Street, which will be done in two phases. The first one is planned for 2023, while the second is expected to start in 2024.
It will focus on portions of the street that are between West Main Street and West John Street. The entire project is slated to cost approximately $5 million.
By the numbers:
$2.5 million - Cost of the first phase of the South Limestone Street project
2024 - When the first phase is expected to start
16,000: Number of cars that travel through proposed South Limestone
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