Spirit of 76 Project

MoOzark · July 08, 2015, 10:57:00 AM

I've studied the Branson Spirit of 76 Project at: http://bransonspiritof76.com/ I've been reading about this project for many years and it seems that their purpose has changed. In the beginning there was a lot of talk about improving transportation. There was talk about building a monorail system, similar to Disney World, so that visitors could easily catch the monorail train and go anywhere on the strip. It was meant to ease the traffic problems. Now that part of the plan has been reduced to getting people to ride a bus. Many people don't like riding a bus. It ranges from fear of the unknown (like where do I get on and where will it take me?) to fear of being robbed or assaulted. I agree that this project will make Branson more attractive. I'm not sure it will solve any traffic problems.

shavethewhales · July 08, 2015, 12:57:04 PM

Wow, lots of updates to the website since last I looked. I don't see the old PDF report from the original presentation. Can't tell how much was dropped between that and what was approved, but I was hoping it was mostly the same. Not a lot of detail on the actual plans on the website. Looks like construction will start fairly soon though.

Dewayne · July 08, 2015, 04:47:54 PM

MoOzark, now that I think about it, you have a good point, but those people who are scared need to loosen up. This is Branson. Its one of the safest places in the world, that I know of. If they dont know where it goes, just ask sonebody because they should have studied up on all Branson stuff before they came, or got on.

MoOzark · July 08, 2015, 05:02:47 PM

Okay, I went back and read the Spirit of 76 Project article that is posted on this SDCfans website. It does say that a Trolley System is proposed to run in the center lane. I not sure, from reading that article, if the Trolley will be constructed or if they are just leaving a space for it to be added later. I guess a trolley would be better than a bus system. However, now I'm wondering what kind of problems it will create for cars using the same center lane as a turning lane. I've been to San Francisco and it is rather scary to drive there and share the road with the trolleys.

Dewayne · July 08, 2015, 06:18:18 PM

OMG thank you for posting that! Ive been thinking that ever since I first read that part. They will definately need a driver on the trolley because they will have to stop behind other cars wanting to turn. It will also make the turning lane line longer too.

History Buff · July 08, 2015, 10:05:02 PM

A trolley? or a bus that looks like a trolley?

Dewayne · July 09, 2015, 06:07:30 PM

Trolley. I hate those buses that look like trolleys, when theyre not trolleys! Like Eureka Springs. I feel like I wanna go up to them and tell them, These are not trolleys. Stop calling them trolleys! Trolleys run on tracks! Buses run on roads. Not hard to tell the difference.

mhguy77 · February 20, 2016, 10:12:41 PM

I was in Branson today and I was not the only one with the idea. Things were busy. The Wax museam, mini golf, Grand Country were packed.
The mall was busy as well. I noted they were doing a lot of earth work at both the intersection adult obstacle course and also "the Pier at Branson Wheel" location. That should really help out that part of town. They painted the Riplys building horrible Mexican restaurant colors that really are not flattering. Looks like the CiCi's is done and should open soon. I saw no movement at all on the tower that was supposed to go in at the old dollar store spot. Looking forward to a little life on the strip this summer in Branson. I think these new additions will really assist the city to start to grow again.

biscuitcreek · February 21, 2016, 04:07:45 PM

mhguy77, Cici's Pizza opened back in September. They were open when we drove by Friday night 2/19 but were not busy. The shows that were open on the strip Friday night were busy as was Andy's Custard and several restaurants.

mhguy77 · February 21, 2016, 04:38:16 PM

Quotemhguy77, Cici's Pizza opened back in September.

Shows how close I pay attention. They had cones out front of the doors, maybe they are seasonal. I thought they were closed, it appears they are not done with the front as far as landscaping ext. Maybe they were done but it sure didn't look very sharp out there. I would say they have some more work to do.

chittlins · February 21, 2016, 06:45:20 PM

Quote from: mhguy77 on February 20, 2016, 10:12:41 PM
I was in Branson today and I was not the only one with the idea. Things were busy. The Wax museam, mini golf, Grand Country were packed.
The mall was busy as well. I noted they were doing a lot of earth work at both the intersection adult obstacle course and also "the Pier at Branson Wheel" location. That should really help out that part of town. They painted the Riplys building horrible Mexican restaurant colors that really are not flattering. Looks like the CiCi's is done and should open soon. I saw no movement at all on the tower that was supposed to go in at the old dollar store spot. Looking forward to a little life on the strip this summer in Branson. I think these new additions will really assist the city to start to grow again.

70s in Feb so Folks Were out, Arkansas had over 28,000 for it's opening 3 game baseball series. You can't ever see the future but but SDC would have been packed this past Sat if it was open. Now, it will snow spring break.

Coaster · February 22, 2016, 01:14:46 PM

Great to hear that Branson was busy in February. You hardly ever hear that. Things are definitely looking up for Branson this year!

sanddunerider · February 22, 2016, 03:19:50 PM

I was there for "opening" weekend, Valentines day, there was enough traffic that I used the back streets and shortcuts...

Dewayne · January 13, 2017, 08:21:31 PM

This thread has been dead lately. Does anybody know where they are at on the 76 project? Whats going on currently?

mhguy77 · January 14, 2017, 07:55:55 AM

I was up there last week and they are tearing up the roads. a few spots with missing outside lanes. 6 ft deep ditches where the road was. I would guess utilities.