Work to make Springfield's East Sunshine Street safer starts next week
Safety improvements along East Sunshine Street have been talked about for years. After pushback from businesses over the installation of new safety medians and adjusting plans, the Missouri Department of Transportation will get work underway starting Monday, Nov. 2. MoDOT's improvement project spans 4.2 miles, from Glenstone Avenue to Farm Road 199, and seeks to make Sunshine Street safer by improving pedestrian crossings, adjusting intersections and reducing left turns outside of signalized intersections. Sunshine Street east of Glenstone has the highest crash rate of all five-lane roadways in Springfield and more than double the state average, according to previous News-Leader reporting. According to a MoDOT news release, work will start east of U.S. 65 before making its way west. Construction is anticipated to be complete by June 30, 2028, though weather conditions and work delays could affect this timeline. The construction will be completed by D&E Plumbing & Heating LLC, Nixa for $6.5 million. In total, including design and other preliminary work, the project costs exceed $10 million. What the project will entail The project includes several segments of new sidewalks, replaced driveways and more accessible pedestrian infrastructure. Here's what to expect: New westbound right turn lane at Enterprise Avenue
