Forest Park Reconstruction of Main Greeting Road

Challenge

Swan Pond is a 2-acre pond within Springfield's Forest Park, where Main Greeting Road serves as the park's primary entrance while crossing the embankment that forms Swan Pond. In 2017, City staff observed water levels rising several feet above normal and retained GZA to investigate. GZA determined that the aging conduit beneath the roadway embankment was likely blocked or collapsed, creating a potential dam safety concern and forcing the immediate closure of Main Greeting Road, disrupting access to the City's premier public park.

Solution

GZA designed and implemented an emergency bypass pumping system on an expedited schedule to maintain flows while evaluating the embankment and roadway. Investigations included subsurface exploration, video inspection, permitting support, and alternatives analyses. GZA also performed wetlands permitting and designed wetland restoration plantings to support environmental compliance and habitat enhancement. GZA helped the City secure a $3 million state grant to fund repairs. Based on GZA's recommendations and guidance from FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City selected complete replacement of the collapsed conduit beneath Main Greeting Road, requiring reconstruction of the roadway, embankment, pedestrian facilities, lighting, landscaping, drainage systems, and associated wetland restoration.

Benefit

The project restored safe, reliable access to Forest Park through a fully reconstructed Main Greeting Road while improving long-term dam safety, resiliency, and maintainability. Completed on time and on budget, the project reopened the park's signature entrance and enhanced the visitor experience for years to come.