Transportation
At-A-Glance | 2005-2024
Springfield and Greene County have consistently prioritized transportation as a foundation for growth, safety, and quality of life. Investments through local sales taxes, strong city–state partnerships, and community collaboration have expanded and maintained a robust roadway system, improved intersections, supported public transit, and developed a growing network of trails, sidewalks, and bike routes.
While the region benefits from relatively short commute times, low congestion, and an accessible airport, challenges persist. Limited funding from state and federal sources has slowed progress, leaving gaps in connectivity for sidewalks, trails, and public transit. The need to balance roadway investment with multimodal options remains pressing, especially for those without a private vehicle.
In recent years, transportation planning has emphasized multimodalism, safety, and sustainability. Regional cooperation through the Ozarks Transportation Organization has strengthened long-term planning across counties and municipalities. New transit strategies, trail expansions, and safety-focused initiatives reflect a shift toward integrated systems that serve diverse community needs.
TRAIL
DEVELOPMENT
Continued trail development in Springfield and at a regional level has been positive during the past year.
These projects work toward the goal of closing gaps in the network and promoting alternative modes of transportation.
Additional work on the Route 66 trail study, the Chadwick Flyer study, and Forward SGF help develop future trails and create awareness of the trail network within the region.
CITY UTILITIES
TRANSIT
City Utilities Transit continues to support and improve public transit through the City of Springfield.
Over the years various route optimizations have been studied, but resulting changes to the system were incremental during that time.
traffic safety
efforts
While roadway crashes continue to be a concern in the region, several traffic safety efforts have received additional support over the past year.
In 2023, the Ozarks Transportation Organization was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All planning grant, which provides support for the development of a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. The Destination Safe Streets, OTO Safety Action Plan, was adopted by the OTO Board of Directors in early 2025.
Traffic Safety
Traffic safety continues to be a concern.
Motorcycle crashes have increased, as well, while bicycle and pedestrian crashes have remained steady.
The safety action plan described in the Blue Ribbons section sets a goal date for zero fatal crashes, as well as a date for no serious injury crashes.
community support
for public transit
While CU Transit has taken the lead to optimize the existing transit system, a critical concern is the overall lack of community support for public transit.
Despite improvements made by CU as a transit provider, the broader community has not demonstrated the necessary advocacy to further elevate and transform public transit throughout the region.
Other policies that affect land use surrounding transit should be used to further support the transit system.
FUNDING FOR MAINTENANCE OF
TRAILS and sIDEWALKS
There is no program in place to rehabilitate or replace asphalt on existing trails.
More than $100 million is needed to bring existing sidewalks into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
An additional $40 million is needed to fill 80 miles of high-priority sidewalk gaps where new sidewalk is needed.