A new underpass being built at Carpenter and 10th Streets has been designed with heavy rains in mind.
Springfield Public Works Director Mark Mahoney says the construction of the underpass, which begins later this month, will eliminate flooding similar to what the Cook Street and Sangamon Avenue underpasses often experience.
“One of the issues that always come up is drainage. The older underpasses can’t handle several inches of rain. What we are talking about here is something state-of-the art,” says Mahoney
The crossing will be closed at Carpenter and 10th Streets and is expected to last two years. The $20 million cost of this part of the project is largely being picked up by a federal grant.
Another underpass at Ash Street will be built beginning in 2016. This is one piece of the 10th street rail consolidation project, which looks to move rail freight to one corridor through Springfield.