Cycling improvements among top roads projects mentioned by Springfield public

KTTS News reported:

The results are in from a public works survey asking what road improvement projects the city of Springfield should put on its to-do list. There were more than 1,100 votes from people who live, work, or shop in the city. The following is from a press release:

The results will help guide the Department of Public Works as it sets priorities for projects funded by the 1/4-Cent Sales Tax for Capital Improvements and the 1/8-Cent Sales Tax for Transportation in coming years. . . . 

Every project on the list received votes. More than 400 respondents also wrote in their ideas for projects that weren’t on the City’s initial list. The ideas ranged from more highly reflective paint markings and new sidewalk locations to adjusted signal timing and additional turn lanes. Improved infrastructure for bicycles was a common request.

“We’re very pleased with the number of responses to the survey and gratified that so many people took the time to complete it,” said Director of Public Works Phil Broyles. “Many of the improvements suggested by citizens are smaller projects that can be done with current funding. Others would take more money and further study. Such a wide range of input could only have come from the traveling public — the people who are out driving, walking and cycling every day.”

The News-Leader added:

Write-in ideas included more highly reflective paint markings, new sidewalk locations, adjusted signal timing, additional turn lanes and -- a common one -- improved infrastructure for bicycles, the city said.

See the Bicycle Friendly Springfield Facebook page for more information about bicycle advocacy in Springfield, which was recently named as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community.