SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The infamous, "X", intersection in Springfield is undergoing reconstruction. The construction currently at the "X" is actually completely unrelated to the planned reconstruction, but it is a small preview of what is to come. The City of Springfield Department of Public Works Director, Chris Cignoli, said the state opened up bids yesterday to contractors. Cignoli said the reconstruction will bring better, more efficient cycles of the traffic lights and also added parking for the area's businesses. One of the biggest driving factors of this project is to make the intersection quicker, but also keeping in mind people's safety. "To make it as safe as possible for pedestrians. There are a lot of schools in the area. There are a lot of people crossing the street, so it is really antiquated out there, so that is really going to be stepped up for both pedestrians and bicycle users. And then the efficiency of being able to move people through the 'X' a little better," says Cignoli. He said once a contractor is chosen, the city will begin meeting with them to determine how they are phasing the construction and where the city will need to place detours. He also said patience during the construction will be important for drivers to have as the city will work hard to share the information on a weekly basis as to which areas to avoid. Cignoli also said it may be tricky, but drivers should try to find an alternate route to best avoid the reconstruction traffic. Local News Headlines Chicopee police seek public’s help in locating missing teen City of Holyoke looks to update its natural hazards mitigation plan Local varsity girls soccer team hosted a fundraiser to support Breast Cancer Research National Grid sends crews to aid Florida after Milton WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.