Branson's Sidewalk Project Improves Aesthetic - Story

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

The start of the "Spirit of 76" highway project is officially underway.

City leaders say the $80-million-dollar revitalization project is an effort to improve Branson's sidewalks and roadways which are in dire need of a makeover.

Previously, the Director of Economic Development in Branson told KOLR10 the power lines on Highway 76 currently block the city's scenic view.

So, "Spirit of 76" was born to improve the aesthetic of the tourist town.

Business leaders are excited with the progress already completed.

Phase 1-A of the project is expected to be finished in May 2017.

Link: 

Branson's Sidewalk Project Improves Aesthetic - Story

MoBikeFed comment: Branson, Missouri, has started work on one of the biggest and most ambitious Complete Streets projects in Missouri--and in the U.S. and the world, as well

Branson's New Spirit of 76 Project will give the Branson "strip"--where theaters and tourist attractions line the street and vie for the attention of 7.5 million visitors annually--a completely new and more attractive look.

That $120 million Complete Streets project is a pretty big one for a rural town of 11,000 that has never before given much thought to pedestrian accessibility! But it makes a lot more sense when you consider that tourism brings $2.8 billion in economic impact to the Branson region annually, and the condition of Highway 76 is honestly so bad and so uninviting that it is literally driving away business.

The new Highway 76 in Branson will be walkable, bikeable, ADA accessible, and welcoming to guest and visitor alike. A streetcar is part of the conceptual plan. Automobiles will be part of the mix, too, of course--but this is a project build around the needs of visitors, who sometimes drive an automobile, not the needs of automobiles.

Branson is realizing what many cities across the country are realizing--that catering exclusively to automobile traffic drives away residents, visitors, and businesses. By making an area inviting for walking, bicycling, transit, and automobile traffic, the total number of visitors and the "stickiness" of visitors increases dramatically. The experience of visitors and residents with the area is dramatically improved as well. A street becomes a destination and a place to visit, not just a thoroughfare.

The New Spirit of 76 web site has a lot of information, maps, diagrams, and details:

http://bransonspiritof76.com/

More details about Branson's major new Complete Streets project, and how you can get your community started on Complete Streets, here:

http://mobikefed.org/2016/06/bransons-spirit-76-project-largest-complete...