News Summary
Kansas City is planning a major redesign of Broadway Boulevard to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. This project, part of a ‘road diet,’ will involve lane reductions, new bike lanes, and adjustments to parking. The initiative addresses alarming accident statistics over the last decade, including multiple fatalities. Community input is being sought through a survey on redesign concepts. The project also includes a redesign of Southwest Boulevard to enhance safety and support local businesses. Plans have already secured funding as part of a commitment to community safety.
Kansas City is set to implement a comprehensive redesign of Broadway Boulevard from 31st Street to 43rd Street as part of a new initiative aimed at enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. The project, which is described as a “road diet,” will introduce key changes including lane reductions, the addition of a left turn lane, new bike lanes, and adjustments to parking direction.
The redesign aims to tackle troubling safety statistics that highlight a significant number of accidents on the roadway. Over the past decade, the area has reported five fatal crashes, 33 serious injury crashes, and 415 minor injury crashes. Alarmingly, nearly 40% of the fatal or serious incidents involved pedestrians, emphasizing the urgent need for improvement. Despite a decline in overall traffic over the past ten years, the average number of fatal crashes has increased since 2019, making this redesign a critical priority for city officials.
To gather community input, Kansas City is inviting residents to participate in a survey on its website to provide feedback on three proposed redesign concepts. The plans include immediate short-term changes, utilizing pavement markings to create safety measures, with more permanent solutions expected to follow in terms of curb extensions and landscaping.
Proposed Redesign Concepts
The three proposed redesign concepts aim to create a safer environment while enhancing the streetscape. The “meandering road” design features angled parking and a curved traffic flow intended to slow vehicle speeds. The second concept, known as the “Spanish rambla,” includes large landscaped medians that serve to provide U-turn spaces, thereby minimizing left-turn conflicts. Lastly, the “mobility lane” concept proposes bike lanes that could be situated either next to the traffic lanes or adjacent to the curb, catering to cyclists’ safety.
Southwest Boulevard Redesign
In conjunction with the Broadway Boulevard project, a redesign of Southwest Boulevard is also planned to address safety concerns extending from Broadway Boulevard down to 31st Street. Recent data indicates that there were 275 crashes reported on Southwest Boulevard over four years, including ten involving pedestrians and cyclists.
The redesign will reduce the number of lanes from four to two, which will not only improve safety but also create more parking opportunities for local businesses. Several business owners and residents support the redesign for its potential safety improvements and economic benefits to the community. As part of the broader initiative, additional recommendations include enhancing lighting under the I-35 bridge and introducing public art installations to beautify the area.
Project Timeline and Budget
The first phase of the Southwest Boulevard redesign focuses on paving from Baltimore to 25th Street, with an expected completion date set for May 2026. This timeline aligns with the World Cup events hosted by Kansas City, further incentivizing the urgency of the project. The city council has already approved the overall redesign plans in direct response to community concerns regarding safety.
Residents have voiced a strong desire for the swift implementation of proposed changes, prompting consideration of immediate solutions such as reflective signage and upgraded crosswalks to enhance visibility and safety for all road users. The city has allocated over $4 million for the entire project, demonstrating a commitment to improving community safety and encouraging greater use of active transportation modes.
Overall, the redesign efforts for Broadway Boulevard and Southwest Boulevard represent significant steps toward creating a safer, more accessible environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists in Kansas City.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Redesign Initiative
- KSHB News: Southwest Boulevard Changes
- KCTV5: Transforming Southwest Boulevard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Design
- Google Search: Kansas City Traffic Safety Redesign
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
