An open house about the future redevelopment of a rail corridor in Springfield, Illinois, attracted media coverage.
Mike Mendenhall, P.E., S.E.
Mike Mendenhall, P.E., S.E., a senior structural engineer in Springfield, was on hand Sept. 1 during the meeting for the public at the Bank of Springfield Center to gather opinions on uses for the approximately 5-mile-long, 60-foot-wide corridor on Third Street after the train traffic is moved to the upgraded 10th Street corridor. The 10th Street tracks are undergoing phases of construction for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project that are expected to be complete in 2025.
One idea for the Third Street redevelopment is to turn a rail bridge on Capitol Avenue into a viewing area for the Illinois State Capitol, which is a short distance to the west of that underpass. Other suggestions included a solar-powered trolley for part of the corridor and a trail for pedestrians and cyclists.
“This could have a historic impact in the city of Springfield,” Mike told the Illinois Times. “… Kind of the ultimate goal is really a lot of business-type development, residential-type development that could stem from a project like this.” The State Journal-Register also covered the open house.
Hanson is working on a feasibility study for the proposed redevelopment.