Carbon Trace

I’ve mentioned the coming improvements to the Springfield bicycle route system that will be paid for with the CIP tax. The improvements include route number signs and sharrows. The City also has plans for a new project called The Link — an exciting plan to link existing and new greenway trails into a coherent transportation system for bicyclists and pedestrians. I conducted the following Q&A with Ralph Rognstad Jr., Director of the Planning & Development Department, by e-mail:

Describe The Link. What will it be? How will it work? What is its purpose?

The Link will be a series of direct routes that will connect greenways in Springfield’s core. The routes will be on existing streets with minimal vehicular traffic. There will be very recognizable, color-coded signage to inform users and motorists alike of the routes. There will be a different color designation for each link between greenways. For example, the link between the future Pea Ridge Creek Trail (Doling Park) and the Jordan Valley Trail could be designated the Green Link and the link between Jordan Valley Trail and the future Fassnight Creek Trail (Phelps Grove Park) could be designated the Orange Link. Where each link connects a greenway or crosses a transit route, user facilities such as shelters and bike racks could be installed. There is also the potential to demonstrate innovative storm water solutions to reduce localized drainage issues and improve the environment along The Link.   In addition to providing links between the greenways, there will be improved walker and bicyclist access to retail, service, and educational facilities in Springfield’s core. These facilities may include: Central Bible College, Commercial Street, Drury University, Ozarks Technical Community College, the IDEA Commons, Downtown, Missouri State University, St. John’s Hospital, Battlefield Mall and Cox South Hospital. The experiences of walkers and bicyclists on The Link will vary along different routes; however, the ultimate goal is to develop a system of shared-use routes that creates an experience of comfort and safety. While the experience will not be the same as walking or riding on a greenway trail, the landscaping, fixtures, and materials along The Link are planned to ultimately be better than along a typical city street. The Link, like the greenway system, will take a number of years to complete.

What is the genesis of this project?

There has been discussion for a number of years about constructing a bicycle boulevard and creating pedestrian/bicycle links between the existing and planned greenway trails. This project grew out of those conversations.

How much will it cost? Where is the money coming from?

We have not estimated the costs because we are in the initial planning phase. We have $500,000 from the Neighborhood Assessment program in the  1/4 -Cent Capital Improvements Program that has not been allocated to projects because we ended the Neighborhood Assessment Program. We had considered using the funds to build sidewalks throughout the community but decided it would be better to concentrate it into one project that could have a significant impact community wide. It will also be difficult to estimate the total cost because The Link will grow and evolve over time. Initial work will just involve placing signs along the routes, but we hope to enhance the routes over time with landscaping, shelter facilities and innovative storm water solutions to localized drainage issues. We believe we can get a good start on two segments of the link: 1. Doling Park to Jordan Valley and 2. Jordan Valley to Phelps Grove Park with the funds we have.   We are applying for a $2 million HUD grant using the funding we have already identified.   The grant funding will be used to plan the remainder of the system and further development of the routes. We also hope to get additional funding from local institutions and companies.

When might work begin? When might it be finished?

We would hope to begin marking the initial routes this fall after we have received comments from the public. Construction of intersection improvements at major street intersections, shelters and other facilities would not occur until the spring and summer of 2011.

What role has the recent naming of Springfield as a bicycle-friendly community played in the decision to consider The Link?

The discussion of this concept pre-dated the recent designation as a bike-friendly community, but the efforts that went into the designation certainly had an impact. If the community had not gotten to where it is today with greenways, bike routes and sidewalk facilities, it would not make sense to begin to develop The Link.

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