Kansas City Doubles Down on Commitment to Safer Streets
In Kansas City’s ongoing dedication to reducing traffic fatalities and severe injuries, the City Council has officially approved $4 million in dedicated funding for the Vision Zero initiative. This landmark resolution was passed in May 2020, and the enhanced financial support will be directed towards the city’s continued measures to combat traffic collisions and advance infrastructure in and around Kansas City.
Infrastructure Changes
The extensive list of infrastructure modifications includes the introduction of speed humps, upgrades to traffic signals, the implementation of roundabouts, the construction of medians, and the redesign of intersections and curb extensions. The goal of Vision Zero with these changes is to create safer streets universally across neighborhoods in Kansas City. With around 300 completed and active projects in the 6,000 miles of roadway, the initiative also includes over 30 miles of protected mobility lanes fit for use by pedestrians, bicycles, and scooters.
“The City has set a goal to install 100 speed humps this year as a way to reduce vehicular speeds in residential areas, thereby improving the walkability and safety for drivers in Kansas City,” Courtney Stephens, a Public Works spokesperson, wrote in an email correspondence.
Traffic Crash Statistics
Recent traffic crash statistics gathered by KCPD noted a total of 90 fatal crashes in 2023. This number marks an increase from the fatality figures of 2022 and 2021, which stood at 89 and 85, respectively. This has spurred questions regarding the effectiveness of Vision Zero’s mission to eradicate traffic fatalities.
Asked about this matter, Stephens said it was too soon for their department to assess fully the success of Vision Zero’s goals. She stated, “Vision Zero is still in its infancy in Kansas City. However, residents have been notifying the city when they are observing positive impacts in their neighborhoods and on city streets.”
Vision Zero’s Impact
The initiative is also positively received in local neighborhoods. Diane Hershberger, Interim Executive Director of the Marlborough Community Coalition, spoke highly about the redesign of an intersection at 82nd Terrace and Troost.
“It has indeed been instrumental there because it’s a crucial crossing where some deaths had occurred before the redesign,” she said. “Most significantly, it has improved safety for the people living in apartments on both sides of Troost.”
Ongoing Projects
Apart from the implemented projects, Vision Zero is also working on several other traffic calming projects, including a redesign at Carondelet Drive and Wornall Road, and the installation of speed limit signs at 85th and Lydia. The action plan, completed and active projects of Vision Zero, and more can be found on the KCMO website.
