SPRINGFIELD, Mo., September 29, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Closed to the public for over five years for safety reasons, Springfield Missouri, the historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge – one of the largest pedestrian bridges over the railway tracks in United States – will soon have another chance to live.
The historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge spans 13 tracks in Springfield, Missouri. Authorities are looking for a qualified contractor to rehabilitate the ailing steel structure. The walkway is an iconic symbol of the southwestern Missouri community, originally connecting the north and south sides of the city. it is located in a bustling historic shopping district.
The City of Springfield recently received clearance from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to solicit quotes from qualified contractors for the rehabilitation of the 119-year-old cantilever truss bridge. Offers will be accepted by 10:30, October 19, 2021.
The Jefferson Avenue footbridge was the first of its kind to be built in Missouri and is unique in engineering and historical significance. Built in 1902 by the American Bridge Company of Pennsylvania, the 562-foot-long steel bridge allows pedestrians to cross 13 lanes from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Yard to reach Springfield revitalize the historic Commercial Street district. Its innovative multi-arch cantilever design allowed workers to build the bridge with minimal impact on the rail tracks below. The bridge represents the story of the meeting of two cities – the north and the south – and the community’s connection to the railroad. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, the footbridge remains today an iconic symbol of growth and opportunity.
The gangway was closed March 1, 2016 after corrosion and loss of steel were discovered during routine inspection. The City has hired Springfieldbased at Great River Engineering (GRE) to conduct a thorough structural assessment of the bridge. The results revealed deficiencies in more than a third of the main structural elements and required the continuous closure of the bridge until repairs could be made.
The requested construction project will include the complete overhaul of the existing 25,066 pound steel bridge structure, including repair and replacement of deficient structural elements, removal and replacement of wood decking, replacement of stairs , application of a new paint system and installation of lighting. . Two elevators will be installed on the north and south approaches to bring the bridge into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The City has budgeted $ 3.2 million for construction and related engineering services. Fundraising efforts continue to support the rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance of the bridge.
For more details, see the Notice to entrepreneurs. Learn more about the rehabilitation effort Springfield Jefferson Avenue Footbridge at springfieldmo.gov/gateway.
Media contact: Cora Scott at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].
THE SOURCE City of Springfield
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