Branson’s locals and visitors cherish its live entertainment, delectable food, and vibrant shopping scene, but there is one feature of downtown that no one enjoys: the traffic! So, to alleviate congestion and improve the overall appearance and functionality of the downtown area, our beloved city is getting a makeover! The Branson Spirit of 76 renovation project has been in the works for years, but we’re getting closer and closer to an actual start date for the construction. To learn more about this exciting makeover, just scroll down . . .
Branson Spirit of 76
Although the main goal of the Spirit of 76 is to encourage pedestrians and reduce traffic congestion on Highway 76, the project will also improve the downtown area’s beauty and functionality. If the project is successful, more drivers will leave their cars at their hotels or homes and walk to Branson’s shows and restaurants in a fun and beautiful urban space. Here are some of the features you might see when the project is completed:
- Sidewalks widened to 15 feet wide
- Pedestrian and plaza space prioritized
- Improved landscaping
- Increased and improved lighting
- Added amenities like seating and trash/recycling cans
- Unique local signage added for visual interest
- Public gathering spaces created for special events and seasonal activities
- Reconfigured, removed, or shortened turn lanes
- Reconfigured lanes on Highway 76
Of course, every exciting urban renovation project comes with limitations and considerations. The Spirit of 76 project is constrained by limited space and a limited budget. Plus, the area needs to fulfill multiple purposes, so the project must keep several things in consideration, including the movement of people, road safety, the appearance of the area, and maintaining or enhancing the success of local businesses.
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So what is the current status of the project? According to KY3 News, “City Alderman will soon vote on releasing five million dollars for a contract paying for the final design stage leading up to the start of construction.” The Spirit of 76 project is expected to cost $80 million, be implemented in 13 phases, and take several years to complete. Project Manager Sabin Yanez hopes construction will begin next summer (source).
Branson locals are thrilled about the prospect of reduced traffic, safer sidewalks, and a more beautiful downtown area, and visitors will undoubtedly appreciate the makeover. After all, who wants to deal with traffic during a vacation?
Although we still have a long way to go, it never hurts to look ahead. I don’t know about you, but I would love to see downtown Branson infused with new life and vitality in the form of a fun and family-themed corridor, which is exactly what the Spirit of 76 project hopes to accomplish.
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After a long day enjoying all that downtown Branson has to offer, wouldn’t it be nice to drive back to your own personal, cozy cabin and relax? Check out Branson Vacation Rentals to learn more. Instead of staying in a standard hotel, you could book a romantic getaway cabin, a condo with a lake view, or a luxury cabin in the hills of the Ozarks. Browse our cabins, condos, villas, and cottages, or give us a call at 417-832-9991 to learn more.