Downtown Springfield Doesn't Run in a Straight Line

The Old Route Through Downtown

Kearney Street runs into Glenstone Avenue on the north side of downtown. From there the road bends south into St. Louis Street, past Park Central Square, then picks up again as Olive Street and College Street before it straightens out onto Chestnut Expressway.

None of that is a straight line. It follows the path laid out for the old highway that used to carry traffic through town before the interstate loop took over the through trips.

Why a Compass Guess Gets You Lost

Most cities let you guess. Head north, hit the next cross street, you're close. Downtown Springfield doesn't work that way.

A driver going by compass direction alone will miss the turn somewhere in that zigzag. A mechanic who's run that path knows where the road actually bends instead of where a straight line says it should.

Three Turns That Trip People Up

• • Kearney into Glenstone. The road doesn't keep going straight after Kearney Street. It turns onto Glenstone Avenue, and that catches drivers expecting to keep heading the same direction.
• • St. Louis Street through the square. St. Louis Street carries traffic right past Park Central Square, where the old route changes direction again.
• • The switch to Chestnut Expressway. Olive Street and College Street carry the road out of downtown before it straightens onto Chestnut Expressway on the east side.

These are the spots where a straight-line guess usually goes wrong.

Same-Day Calls Anywhere Along That Route

Springfield Mobile Mechanic Crew works on your car wherever you're parked, downtown or out past the loop. Same-day service means we come to you the day you call.

Knowing which street actually connects to which one is part of getting there on time instead of circling the block.

Frequently Asked Questions