Springfield Approved Greenway Trail Expansion

The city will utilize a federal grant to extend the west side trail system by over three miles.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Hiking

Screen-print poster illustration of a winding paved path through stylized trees and grasses, representing the expansion of community greenway infrastructure. — Springfield City Council has approved an ordinance to extend the city's west side greenway trail system by over three miles using federal grant funding. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Springfield City Council has authorized an ordinance to advance the Ungap the Map greenway project. This initiative will add 3.14 miles of trails to the city's west side greenway system using federal funding.

Why it matters

The project addresses environmental justice concerns in neighborhoods that have historically faced underinvestment and persistent poverty. It remains a top priority within the city's Forward SGF comprehensive plan.

The city secured a $24.8 million RAISE grant, which covers the full cost of the project without requiring local matching funds. This funding will support the construction of 3.14 miles of new greenway trails.

The players

Springfield City Council

This is the primary legislative body responsible for managing city ordinances and infrastructure projects in Springfield.

Federal Highways Administration

This federal agency is responsible for overseeing the distribution and management of infrastructure grant agreements.

The details

The project will feature pedestrian bridges, separated bicycle facilities, and ADA-accessible sidewalks. Improvements also include traffic calming measures, culvert removal, and the integration of green infrastructure.

2024: Springfield was awarded the federal RAISE grant.
September 21, 2026: The City Council approved the ordinance to proceed.

Culture Shift

The city is prioritizing active transportation over traditional road-centric infrastructure to improve urban connectivity. This aligns with the Forward SGF comprehensive plan, which identifies greenway development as a primary initiative for community health.

Residents on the west side can expect increased access to pedestrian-friendly transit and safer bicycle routes once construction concludes. The project also introduces new traffic calming measures that will likely alter daily commute patterns in the immediate vicinity.

The takeaway

This expansion represents a significant shift toward prioritizing non-vehicular infrastructure in underserved urban corridors. Residents can expect ongoing changes to local traffic patterns as construction begins on the new pedestrian bridges and trails.