Overland Park and KDOT Collaborate for Pedestrian-friendly Retrofit on Busy Intersection
Overland Park, a bustling suburban city in the Kansas City metropolitan area, has been renowned for its vibrant vehicular traffic, especially at the intersection of College Boulevard and Metcalf Avenue. While this has been favorable for the city’s automotive movement, pedestrians have long been facing challenges navigating the crossroads. Now, Overland Park is joining hands with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to make the junction more pedestrian-friendly, in a newfound federal partnership.
Federal Grant Fuels Transformation
The initiative to make the intersection more amenable to walkers has received a major boost through a $1.35 million federal Surface Transportation Block Grant. The grant, integral to the joint venture between Overland Park and KDOT, would cater to the construction of several attributes around the signal-heavy crossing.
The New Face of the Intersection
The primary focus of the transformation includes:
- Establishing a linear park on the south of College Boulevard.
- Implementing a multi-use path to bridge College Boulevard and Summercrest Trail.
- Connecting 112th Street to 115th Street along Outlook Street.
- Introducing intersection enhancements at College and Metcalf, as well as 110th Street and Metcalf.
- Augmenting pedestrian and bicycle links at Lamar Avenue and 110th Street to the east.
These changes aim to not only make the intersection more convenient for pedestrians but also significantly reduce the traffic congestion that has been a persistent issue.
Overland Park City Council Approval
In what can be seen as a significant step forward, the Public Works Committee of the Overland Park City Council approved the measure last month. Subject to the approval from the city council, officials are optimistic to commence the design process by the end of this year, with construction planned for 2026. The developments are expected to culturally shape the cityscape offering more accessibility, safety, and a revitalized sense of community to Overland Park.
Design and Construction on the Horizon
With the primary approvals in place, the projections for the design process are slated for the end of this year. If this timeline moves forward as planned, locals and visitors could witness a significant alteration to Overland Park’s busy intersection by 2026, making the city more pedestrian-friendly and navigable, fundamentally changing the way residents and visitors experience this vibrant city.
