Heavy equipment is moving dirt as Jordan Creek in downtown Springfield comes closer to seeing daylight. The first phase of the project known as Renew Jordan Creek has been under construction for more than a month, but there is still more work to be done before the vision of urban greenspace is realized.

The project spans two large blocks in the urbanized center of Jordan Valley Park, bordered on the east by Boonville Avenue, Water Street and the railway on the south, Main Avenue on the west and Mill Street on the north. The goal of the project is to mitigate flooding, improve water quality and provide for innovating quality of place and economic development improvements by bringing the buried creek back into the daylight. Additionally, a dog park, pedestrian plazas, a space for outdoor learning and more natural green space will be constructed near the creek.

Kirkland Preston, the city's Public Works stormwater engineer and the project manager, said via email the project is on schedule so far, with estimated completion toward the end of 2026. He noted some delays may be encountered due to the project's size and scope, but any changes would be communicated to the public as they develop.

Construction impacts traffic

Throughout the project, several streets and sidewalks will be impacted and experience adjustments or closures.

Water Street from Campbell Avenue to Boonville Avenue is closed permanently. Once the project is complete, this will be a pedestrian-only overlook walkway that can be opened for food trucks and special events.

In the near future, Water Street from Boonville to Jefferson Avenue is expected to close to through traffic for an estimated three months to allow City Utilities gas and water crews to complete infrastructure improvements. Access to businesses and properties will be maintained.

A longer-term closure of Campbell Avenue between Water and Mill Street is expected in the early summer for approximately a year.

Working toward cleaner water

Jordan Creek has deep roots in the area's history , from its role during pre-European settlement times to proving a difficulty as Springfield grew and urbanized in the 19th century. Prone to flooding, the stream has been filled with debris and waste throughout its different eras.

Part of the ongoing excavation has also been cultural resource evaluation in partnership with Missouri State University's Center for Archaeological Research. However, the city said information about the findings cannot be shared at this point. The city is complying with the requirements of program agreements outlined in the permit with the US Army Corps of Engineers, according to Preston.

He said like many urban waterways, Jordan Creek experiences "non-point source" pollution issues from different excess nutrients and chemicals from landscape fertilizers and residuals from tire particles, motor oil, vehicle exhaust and asphalt sealants.

Daylighting the creek will give it more room during heavy rainfall to mitigate flooding and native plantings will aid in improving the water quality. Native plantings will restore the bank area of the creek and help absorb and treat pollutants. The project also includes specifically located "pocket wetlands," bioretention and "silva cells," or a special tree-growing media system that supports the hardscape above ground to provide trees with uncompacted soil.

The two-year project is not a cheap one. The total price tag sits around $33 million and is being funded by a plethora of grant funds and local money, including $6.5 million in special obligation bonds. The cost earlier was estimated at $38 million, but the Main Avenue Bridge Project will be pursued outside of the Renew Jordan Creek scope, lowering the cost. This is considered the first phase of the greater Jordan Creek Master Plan, which also includes improvements to Founders Park and the property at 404 N. Jefferson Ave. Funding for these has not yet been secured and design not yet started.