After four decades of planning, one of the most talked about road construction projects in Springfield and Greene County is close to getting started.
The Greene County Commission says the contractor, Emery Sapp & Sons, can begin mobilizing equipment on Wednesday.
MoDOT approved their bid of $15.7 for Phase 1 construction, almost $6 million under the engineer’s cost estimate of $21.6 million.
The project will be divided into two phases.
Phase 1 is from Republic Road to Plainview Road.
Phase 2 is from Plainview Road to Farm Road 190.
All construction on the first phase is required to be done by November 1, 2023.
Phase 2 work should start in the winter of 2023, and be finished in the spring of 2025.
The extension of Kansas Expressway features a new two-lane road with turning lanes at major intersections, new stormwater improvements, and a pedestrian and bicycle path along the corridor.
A majority of the project, 80%, will be funded with federal transportation money, with 20% to be paid by Greene County.
The city of Springfield is also a cost share partner because the northern part of the extension falls within the city limits.
Planning for extending Kansas Expressway began in the early 1980’s, when both Greene County and the city of Springfield recommended a major thoroughfare plan south of Route M.
The project was approved after several feasibility studies over the years, with environmental assessments and right of way plans now being finalized, clearing the way for construction in 2022.