Exciting Changes Underway for Southwest Boulevard to Enhance Safety and Community in Kansas City

Exciting Changes Coming to Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City!

Kansas City, Missouri is buzzing with excitement as residents eagerly await changes to Southwest Boulevard. After some thoughtful discussions, the city council has officially given the green light to a comprehensive redesign of the roadway, a move that is being met with cheers from the Westside community.

Addressing Community Concerns

For some time now, neighbors, like Anna Roseburrough, have voiced their concerns regarding safety on Southwest Boulevard. Roseburrough and many others have seen swift traffic and the unfortunate rise of sideshows make the area feel less secure. “It is bad, big time,” she said, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Residents have noticed a troubling trend: “It seems like people don’t have respect for each other anymore,” she reflected. Her sentiments echo the feelings of many in the area who want a safer place to live and play.

A Step Towards Solutions

In a recent neighborhood discussion, the Sacred Heart Neighborhood Association met with a city planner to delve into the exciting plans on the horizon designed to tackle these very issues. The first phase of the road redesign aims to improve safety and traffic flow by adjusting the current layout. Specifically, the plan involves reducing the existing four lanes down to three between Broadway Boulevard and 25th Street. Additional bike paths will encourage cycling, and new gateway green spaces will create inviting areas in Westside.

Among the enhancements, increased lighting under the Interstate 35 bridge is on the way—the city is committed to ensuring people feel safe walking and biking in their own neighborhood. “Some of the smaller project items will start in the coming weeks,” a city spokesperson noted. However, the larger reconfiguration won’t kick off until late 2025.

Patience is Key

Although some residents may be apprehensive about the time it will take to see these changes come to life, Roseburrough remains optimistic. “I think people might be upset with [the road diet] because the traffic will not be moving fast enough for them,” she observed. But she believes that in the long run, it’s going to benefit everyone and lead to a safer community.

The timeline is a hot topic. With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, many neighbors are keen to see the transformation complete by then. Unfortunately, Phase 2, which extends improvements from 25th to 31st Streets, can’t kick off until Phase 1 is finished and funding is finalized. City engineer Nicolas Bosonetto has assured residents that their patience will yield results. “Residents want to see Phase 2 done now, they want the improvements done now,” he stated. “Unfortunately, it does take time to gather the funds and do the engineering and do the construction.”

Short-term Solutions in Progress

While the big changes may take some time, there’s good news on the horizon. Engineers are actively seeking quick wins to enhance safety along Southwest Boulevard. Possible immediate improvements include installing reflective signage and upgrading crosswalks to make them more visible. “There’s small things that can be done for safety,” Bosonetto mentioned, indicating a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of residents starting as soon as possible.

A Community Investment

The city has earmarked over $4 million for this ambitious project, which brings a sense of relief and excitement to community members. “It makes me feel so good because [city leaders] are listening to us now,” Roseburrough stated with a sense of gratitude and hope. Residents are looking forward to the next neighborhood meeting on October 17 at 6 p.m., taking place at the Guadalupe Center, where they can learn about the city’s plans and voice any additional concerns.

In Kansas City, the winds of change are stirring, and it seems like a brighter, safer future for Southwest Boulevard is on the horizon!