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Kansas City Takes Major Steps Toward a Safer 71 Highway!

71 Highway safety improvement project in Kansas City

News Summary

Kansas City is moving ahead with a $5 million federally funded project to improve safety and connectivity along the 71 Highway. The initiative addresses the highway’s dangerous intersections and aims to enhance community engagement by involving local residents in the planning process. With alarming statistics showing over 1,000 crashes in the past year, the project focuses on making the highway safer for pedestrians and cyclists while restoring economic vitality to affected neighborhoods.

Kansas City Takes Major Steps Toward a Safer 71 Highway!

Exciting news is bubbling up in Kansas City as the city gears up for a groundbreaking project aimed at enhancing both safety and connectivity along the infamous 71 Highway. With a whopping $5 million federal grant in hand, the Kansas City government is teaming up with Hg Consult, Incorporated to tackle these long-standing issues head-on.

Why This Project is So Crucial

71 Highway has not been all smooth sailing. In fact, it’s home to three of the ten most dangerous intersections in the entire state of Missouri! Residents are all too familiar with the frustrations of trying to navigate this busy highway on foot and have raised urgent safety concerns. It’s no secret that the highway has created significant challenges for folks attempting to cross, often leaving them feeling like they’re playing a real-life game of Frogger.

The Kansas City government is committed to prioritizing community engagement in this initiative. In fact, the first phase of the project will allocate a substantial 35% of the budget for public outreach – that’s how much they want to hear from you. The goal is to make sure that the voices of local residents shine brightly in the planning process and that their concerns are taken into account.

A Look Back at History

Reflecting on the impact of the highway, Councilmember Darrell Curls noted that when construction began in the 1990s, the aim was to expedite traffic flow. However, the outcome has caused, unfortunately, a division among neighborhoods. Approximately 2,000 homes were dismantled during the highway’s construction, leading to significant economic disinvestment in the area. Many community members have since faced growing troubles like increased air and noise pollution, which have been tied to rising health problems, including cases of asthma.

Public Works Director Michael Shaw has highlighted that the area is still grappling with economic blight attributable to the highway’s placement and design. Residents have complained of littering and unsafe pedestrian conditions, drawing further attention to the desperate need for improvement.

Concerning Statistics

The statistics regarding safety on the highway are alarming. Recent data from the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) revealed a staggering 1,076 reported crashes on 71 Highway stretching from downtown to Three Trails Crossing between 2022 and August 2023. Out of these incidents, there were 11 fatal crashes and over 400 injuries. One particular vehicle crash involving a college student brought forward stark reminders of the dangers that plague this highway.

Improving Connectivity and Safety

So, what can community members expect from this exciting project? The goal is to enhance connectivity, safety, and overall equity for neighborhoods that have been impacted by the highway over the next five years. Let’s face it – everyone deserves to feel safe and connected within their own community.

From addressing issues like litter to improving the conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, this initiative aims to create a safer environment for everyone. Local residents are highly encouraged to get involved and actively participate in shaping the outcomes of what promises to be a transformative journey for Kansas City.

In a world where we often find ourselves sidelined, this project is your chance to be a part of the solution. Together, let’s make Kansas City a safer, more connected place for all!