1/8¢ Tax Renewal Overview Proposed Projects for 2009-2012 Chamber of Commerce Questions Sales Tax Rate Comparison Past Projects and Tax Background Info Multimedia Resources Project Map Video Overview		1/8¢ Transportation Tax Renewal Proposed 2009-2012 Projects U.S. 65 – Widen to six lanes Working with MoDOT, this project would design and construct two additional through lanes – for a total of six through lanes – in two phases from Battlefield Road to Sunshine Street and Sunshine Street to Chestnut Expressway. James River Freeway and National Avenue interchange improvements A partnership among MoDOT, the City of Springfield and CoxHealth would use the “diverging diamond” model on National Avenue to reduce congestion and improve safety and construct an underpass under National to expedite access to the CoxHealth emergency department. James River Freeway and Campbell Avenue interchange improvements (Phase I) This project would add left-turn lanes and through lanes for traffic on Campbell under the James River Freeway. The project would complement improvements planned on Campbell in 2009 in conjunction with new retail development at the southeast corner of the interchange. Interstate 44 and Kansas Expressway Interchange Improvements The City would partner with MoDOT on its highest priority project in District 8 to improve the I-44 and Kansas Expressway interchange with the region’s first “diverging diamond” interchange to alleviate congestion and improve safety. The City would make related improvements by relocating the existing Evergreen Street traffic signal approximately 600 feet to the south. Bike/Pedestrian and Transit Connectivity Projects The referendum would provide funding to design and construct sidewalks or bike lanes to enhance intermodal connectivity with bus transit stops and Greenway trails for pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders. Kearney and National Intersection Improvements Separate right-turn lanes would be provided for eastbound and northbound traffic and an additional through lane for southbound traffic. This project also would complete the widening of National Avenue between Kearney and Jean streets to match improvements recently completed north of Jean Street. The increased capacity is necessary for the high volume of large trucks that use the intersection. Turn-Lane Improvements for Capacity and Safety Capacity would be increased at Glenstone Avenue and Battlefield Road by making the current southbound dual left-turn lanes longer and more accessible when traffic backs up in the through lanes. At Chestnut Expressway and Sherman Avenue, dual left-turn lanes are proposed for eastbound to northbound traffic to reduce backups, which extend into an eastbound through lane at peak times when motorists are going to Ozarks Technical Community College. Major Roadway System Maintenance for Pavement and Bridges The main example of this would be preservation of the bridge at the Kansas Expressway Viaduct between Division and Atlantic streets. Ozarks Traffic Intelligent Transportation System Permanent variable message boards located along major roadways could display real-time traffic information and travel advisories and also provide for “Amber Alert” notifications. Intelligent transportation tools such as traffic sensors, traffic-monitoring cameras, and on-road traveler information would be installed to improve traffic management. Cost-Share projects The City, MoDOT, Greene County and private developers may consider public/public or public/private cost-sharing strategies that promote economic development opportunities.

1/8 cent sales tax

Last week I had an opinion editorial appear in the paper on the 1/8 cent sales tax where I had asked some questions of the voters and city staff. I have posted a link to the reply from the city right here.

You'll notice my questions aren't really answered in any means except in political fashion.