What We Know: Springfield’s historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge could reopen this fall after being closed for nearly a decade.
What It Means: The 1902 bridge closed in 2016 after inspections found structural problems.
During the renovation, BNSF Railway asked the city to raise the bridge about four feet to meet current clearance standards for trains passing underneath. That required crews to take apart the steel structure and build taller supports.
The project has faced other setbacks, including additional steel repairs and a lightning strike that damaged new electrical equipment and decorative lighting.
What’s Next: Crews are now finishing work on the bridge deck, stairs, elevators and lighting.
Once finished, pedestrians will again have a direct connection across the rail yard to Commercial Street.
(Photo courtesy of the City of Springfield)