A new year, a new start!

Welcome to 2024! It’s a time for new beginnings and exciting opportunities, especially in the realm of sustainable transportation. Reflecting on the achievements of 2023, we celebrate the successful completion of projects like the Chadwick Flyer trail, the initiation of the Grant Ave Parkway construction, and the vibrant running and cycling events in the Fellow Lakes area. These successes pave the way for an even more dynamic year ahead.

At the heart of our regional development, transformative plans like Forward SGF, Connect SGF, and Destination 2045 are being rolled out. These visionary projects aim to enhance connectivity across neighborhoods and communities, integrating various modes of transportation into our urban fabric. The Let’s Go Smart Collaborative is at the forefront of this movement, actively promoting alternative transportation methods. Through engaging “Walk n’ Talks” in different neighborhoods, the Collaborative showcases local developments that support safe and diverse travel options. Stay tuned for the schedule of these insightful events on our calendar.

The Ozarks Transportation Organization (OTO) is dedicated to boosting safety for all road users in the region. The Destination Safe Streets Plan, a key initiative by OTO, will conduct thorough safety analyses of our transportation network, proposing vital infrastructure and policy enhancements. This comprehensive approach promises a safer travel experience for everyone. Keep an eye on the OTO project webpage for updates and opportunities to contribute: Destination Safe Streets Plan.

The Springfield metro area is buzzing with exciting projects for 2024. Highlights include the Chadwick Flyer Overpass in Ozark, trail extensions of the Chadwick Flyer, and further development of the Grant Avenue Parkway north of Grand St (Grant Avenue Parkway). Moreover, significant sidewalk and ADA enhancements are underway, including along Kearney St, Kansas Expressway, and Glenstone. For more details on these MoDOT projects, visit MoDOT Projects.

Better Block SGF, one of our key partners, is gearing up for a groundbreaking project later this year. Keep an eye out for updates on this exciting development. We encourage you to explore the diverse transportation options available in our community and actively participate in shaping the future of our region. The journey begins with the annual meeting of Better Block on January 19, 2024. Discover more about this event and how you can be a part of it at Better Block SGF. Let’s embrace these opportunities to transform our region’s transportation landscape together!

Picture of man loading bicycle on transit bus rack. (Source OTO webpage: https://www.ozarkstransportation.org/what-we-do/transit)
Picture of Cycle Connect 417's group on James River Iron Bridge in July 2023. (Source: Springfield Daily Citizen: https://sgfcitizen.org/springfield-culture/outdoors/women-on-wheels-cycle-connect-417-nurtures-camaraderie-and-community/)
Picture of community mural painting on Fassnight Creek Greenway Trail in September 2023. (Source: Ozark Greenway Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=OGtrails&set=a.700042362154038)