Kansas City, Missouri, January 20, 2026
News Summary
Kansas City is implementing significant traffic safety improvements to address concerns over hazardous driving. Lane closures on US-69 and active traffic enforcement are aimed at reducing accidents, alongside planned enhancements near Brookwood Elementary School. These efforts respond to rising traffic fatalities and community safety demands.
Kansas City Traffic Safety Enhancements Underway
In an effort to address ongoing traffic safety concerns, significant lane closures and road improvement projects are underway in the Kansas City area. Notable changes on US-69, coupled with traffic enforcement measures, aim to reduce hazardous driving, following alarming statistics on traffic-related deaths.
Lane Closures on US-69
Multiple lane closures are reported on US-69, disrupting traffic flow in various segments:
- One lane is closed between 151st Street and 167th Street on southbound US-69, impacting 30 feet. This closure was reported Monday at 9:34 a.m. and last updated at 8:07 p.m. the same day.
- On northbound US-69, one lane is closed between 151st Street and College Boulevard, affecting a distance of 3.84 miles. This closure was first reported on Friday at 2:51 p.m. and updated on Monday at 7:05 p.m.
- Another lane is closed from 103rd Street to 119th Street on southbound US-69, impacting 1.70 miles. This was first reported on Friday at 7 a.m. and last updated on Monday at 5:05 p.m.
- A lane closure also exists from 151st Street to 179th Street on southbound US-69, affecting a distance of 790 feet. This was reported on Monday at 9:34 a.m. and updated at 3:04 p.m. the same day.
- Additionally, one lane is closed from 103rd Street to College Boulevard on southbound US-69. This was also reported on Friday at 7 a.m. and updated on Monday at 2:03 p.m.
Traffic Enforcement Operation
The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Traffic Unit has initiated a traffic enforcement operation along U.S. 71, issuing over 300 citations to combat issues such as speeding and reckless driving. This initiative follows a concerning rise in traffic fatalities, with 68 related deaths recorded in 2025. A recent investigation on U.S. 71 also relates to the first homicide of the year, believed to stem from road rage incidents.
Brookwood Elementary School Traffic Improvements
Significant safety enhancements are planned for W. 103rd Street near Brookwood Elementary School. The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow by narrowing the road from four lanes to three, adding a center turn lane, and incorporating bike lanes. Sidewalks are set to be widened to eight feet, with new ADA ramps installed. A high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK Pedestrian Signal) will be introduced to improve driver awareness. The project comes in response to community concerns and follows a tragic incident involving the death of a local child on an e-scooter. The estimated cost of the project is around $2.8 million, which may increase if additional traffic signals and sidewalk reconstruction are implemented.
Additional Improvements
Plans are also in motion for improvements on W. 83rd Street, extending from State Line Road to the western city limits. This initiative includes pavement replacement, the addition of new traffic signals, and the widening of sidewalks. Preparatory work has already begun, with crews narrowing travel lanes to enhance safety.
Context and Community Impact
These proactive measures come amid heightened community discussions about road safety, particularly around schools and busy thoroughfares. The comprehensive plan acknowledges previous incidents of severe traffic-related injuries and fatalities, reaffirming the local government’s commitment to fostering safer streets for all citizens.
FAQ
What lane closures are currently in place on US-69?
One lane is closed between 151st Street and 167th Street on southbound US-69, impacting 30 feet; one lane is closed between 151st Street and College Boulevard on northbound US-69, affecting 3.84 miles; one lane is closed from 103rd Street to 119th Street on southbound US-69, affecting 1.70 miles; one lane is closed from 151st Street to 179th Street on southbound US-69, impacting 790 feet; and one lane is closed from 103rd Street to College Boulevard on southbound US-69.
What improvements are planned around Brookwood Elementary School?
Major changes are planned for W. 103rd Street to enhance safety and ease traffic near Brookwood Elementary, including narrowing the road from four lanes to three, adding a center turn lane, and bike lanes. Sidewalks will be widened to eight feet, ADA ramps will be installed, and a new HAWK Pedestrian Signal will be added.
What is the estimated cost of the Brookwood Elementary project?
The estimated project cost is approximately $2.8 million, with potential increases for added traffic signals and sidewalk reconstruction.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lane Closures on US-69 | Multiple closures impacting various segments, including southbound and northbound lanes. |
| Traffic Enforcement | Over 300 citations issued to combat speeding and reckless driving amid increasing fatalities. |
| Brookwood Elementary Improvements | W. 103rd Street modifications for better safety and traffic flow, including bike lanes and widened sidewalks. |
| Additional Improvements | Plans for W. 83rd Street enhancements including pavement replacement and new traffic signals. |
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: Kansas City Traffic Crackdown Operation
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Fox4KC: US-71 Highway Enforcement
- Google Search: Kansas City Traffic Safety Enhancements
- KSHB: Leawood Redesign Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicle Traffic
- KCTV5: Traffic Problems on Slick Roads
- Google News: Traffic Safety Kansas City
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.
