Major traffic changes start today in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Big changes are on the way to two major roads in Springfield.

Fourth Street from S. Grand to Dodge Street and Adams Street from 6th Street to 9th street are changing from one-way streets to two-way streets. The new direction will make it easier to navigate downtown, according to TJ Heavisides, the Springfield City Traffic Engineer.

"The previous administration and some of the downtown businesses kind of identified other areas in other cities where they saw an economic boost to converting to two way streets," said Heavisides. "If you think about it, you'd come up and want to make a right hand turn but could only turn left, so you'd have to keep driving and make three right turns instead."

These road changes also mean the city is implementing a new type of parking as well. On Adams street, drivers will be expected to reverse-angle park. This means you will have to drive past the spot and then back into it.

Heavisides says this practice is common in many larger cities. He also says it adds an extra layer of safety because drivers have to stop to park instead of pulling straight in. This means those leaving their parking spot will be able to clearly see both directions when pulling out.

"When you back into the spot, if you have kids in the back, the doors open up and direct those kids back to the sidewalk and back to the curb rather than out in the traffic," said Heavisides. "The trunk is also right there at the curb so if you've done any shopping, things like that."

Heavisides says the changes will slowly be implemented starting this week. Right now, crews are working on repainting the roads and adding new signs. He encourages all drivers in the area to practice extra caution and attentiveness as people adjust to the new street directions.