Summary of Amity Street Buffered Lane Ped/Bike - Broadway to Crestview Drive

Louisburg

Contact Information

Organization: Louisburg
Contact person: Jean Carder
Title: communications coordinator
Phone: 913-837-2324
E-mail: jcarder@louisburgkansas.gov
Organization address: 215 S. Broadway
  Louisburg, KS    66053

General Information

G8.1 Project title: Amity Street Buffered Lane Ped/Bike - Broadway to Crestview Drive
G8.2 Project description: Louisburg has completed the Broadway Complete Street project, a PSP project. City representatives hope to take this project momentum and add a shared-use buffered sidewalk from downtown Broadway to Crestview Drive along Amity Street/KS Hwy 68. This area, about a half mile west of Broadway, is a significant commercial center with the town’s only grocery store, four restaurants, a day care, medical facilities and other service-oriented businesses. There are residents without vehicles that walk or bike to this area to get to jobs or buy groceries. There are no sidewalks from downtown to this area, which makes this a difficult place to navigate as it parallels Amity Street. Extending the sidewalk from Broadway to this hub will allow mobility for many of the residents, both young and old, pedestrians as well as cyclists and those who use mobility devices to assist in their travels. In a town with limited general public transportation options, this is a vital need for the entire community.
G8.3 Project contact: Nathan Law, City Administrator, nlaw@louisburgkansas.gov, 913-837-5839.
G1. Project Type: Non-Motorized Transportation - Facilities and SRTS Infrastructure
G2. Funding Stream: TAP
G3. TIP Number:
G4. State: Kansas
G5. Project county: 1. Miami
G6. Project municipality: 1. Louisburg
G7. Multiple agencies / jurisdictions? No
G8.4 Purpose and need: Louisburg is known as the town without sidewalks. There has been a new commitment by elected officials and staff to make up for that deficit. New sidewalks were part of the Broadway Complete Street plan and were also installed during the stoplight project at Amity and Metcalf Road last summer. The City plans to extend sidewalks from Broadway to that stoplight and from the stoplight east to the Louisburg School campus this summer. The City is making progress. The next big area to address is from Broadway to the commercial district on the western edge of town. If a buffered lane sidewalk is completed there, the city will almost have a complete sidewalk system from city limit to city limit. Since this area is home to four restaurants, a day care, medical facilities, other businesses and the town’s only grocery store, this allows those without vehicles to safely walk, bike or use mobility aids to get their groceries and other needed services.
 
G9. Origin and ending
  Route:
  From:
  To:
  Length (Miles):
Broadway Street
Crestview Drive
0.5 miles
G10. Functional Classification: Not Applicable
G11. In Transportation Outlook 2040? No   Decade:   --Select--
G12. Muli-Agency Plan? No
G13. Included in a CIP? No
G14. Planning stage: Preliminary Plan
G15. Reviewed by state DOT? Yes
G16. Right-of-Way acquisition: Not started
G17. ROW by local public agency process manual? No
G18. Other unique local goals and objectives? No
This project will help fill in sidewalk/trail gaps in Louisburg. In past building, sidewalks were not mandated as they might "lead to nowhere." The community has now grown enough those gaps are becoming problematic. Gaps make it more difficult for walkers/bikers and can be a significant safety concern, especially in this proposed sidewalk expansion location. Completing this buffered lane/sidewalk will allow folks of all abilities and income levels the opportunity to safely walk or bike to this commercial hub.
G19. Transportation Disadvantaged Population: Even having just one resident that does not have access to motor vehicle transportation is too many and Louisburg does have a population without access to a car. Currently about a half dozen persons walk to the Amity/Crestview Drive area for their jobs at a local fast-food restaurant. There is not a safe way to walk to the area now. Anyone walking or biking has to walk on the highway or slog through yards, a hay field or a cemetery. Grocery store representatives say there are customers that walk to get their groceries. A buffered lane/sidewalk from downtown Louisburg to this commercial hub is vital. There may be people who opt to not walk or bike because of the current safety concerns. In the past two years an income-based apartment complex was built on the east side of Louisburg about a mile and a half from this commercial hub. This is a potential user group that would benefit from newly constructed sidewalks/bike paths anywhere in the city.
G20. Relevant Public Engagement: The City of Louisburg completed a Master Trail Plan, another PSP project, with City Council accepting the document in December 2017. The plan was conducted with the assistance of a MARC late-call project and was awarded in the spring of 2017. This plan created an assessment and rating system of existing conditions of all sidewalks and trails inside the city limits. After several different community engagement opportunities, a list of improvements was developed and ranked by public input and/or stated safety concerns. These community engagements included providing a survey about sidewalks/trails at back-to-school nights - this survey was also available at City Hall for citizens that did not attend those events. Another activity included interactive maps in which residents could indicate their responses to such questions as where you live, where you currently walk/bike, where you would like to walk/bike, and where walking/biking is challenging and were presented to the community at a high school football game, Labor Day festivities, Chamber of Commerce meeting, Senior Center and the local grocery store. The last community event included a series of posters that were on display at City Hall in late October and then shown at the Halloween on Broadway event, in which about 1,000 kids and their parents trick-or-treat area businesses. The City also updated its comprehensive plan and accepted that document in December 2017. Information pertaining to sidewalks/trails and the area’s walkability were also taken from public engagement events surrounding the comp plan process and used in the Master Trail Plan.
G21. Planned Public Engagement: As a result of the Master Trail Plan and the City Council’s desire to move forward with completing sidewalks, this project is on a fast-track to completion. The results of the Master Trail Plan showed this sidewalk as one of the top-rated projects in relation to need and community demand. The proposed route along Amity Street to Crestview Drive was identified as a safe circulation and access point for cyclists and pedestrians along this high-traffic vehicular thoroughfare. This route serves as an arterial street not only for the high volumes of vehicular traffic, including tractor trailer rigs, but for cyclists and pedestrians as they move to this popular commercial center. Additionally making this connection to the western edge of the community will make a connection from the western edge of the city to the eastern edge of the city.
G22. Sustainable Places Criteria: Access to Healthy Foods---Active Transportation/Living----------- ---------------- ------------Integrated Trail System--- ------------Pedestrian-Oriented Public Realm--- ---------------- Transit-Ready Corridors-----
G22.1. Describe CSP relationship: Completing this connection will allow people of all ages, backgrounds and economic status the ability to walk or bike safely to reach services on the western edge of the city. This will allow persons to have access to fresh foods and promote healthy living and allow persons to use alternate sources of transportation. It also allows persons to reach shopping destinations and other services plus employment opportunities. There are about a half dozen persons who walk to this area for their jobs. This sidewalk extension will tie the eastern edge of our community to the western edge and with other sidewalk plans for the summer of 2018, further connect to other areas of town. In the event that public transportation ever reaches Louisburg, this area would be a location that one would assume would be a public transportation stop. This would allow persons who need public transit into the metro area a safe, direct route to those stop locations.
G23. Implements Sustainable Places Initiatives? Yes
The recently completed Louisburg Master Trails Plan was funded through a MARC PSP program. This application implements one of the segments as recommended in that plan. The segment chosen includes the much-needed trail for pedestrians and cyclists to get to the commercial hub at Crestview Drive. This project will also include the priority intersection of Amity and Broadway. This was highlighted as a short-term need in the Trails Plan and will connect most of Louisburg to some kind of trail/sidewalk access to cross town.
G24. Serves Regional Activity Center? Yes
High-Intensity and More_Walkable Centers This area is a primary commercial hub in Louisburg. There is currently no safe way to walk or bike to this area for groceries, services or employment. By constructing a sidewalk/trail to this area, it will make those services and those employment opportunities available to all types of people - those that want to walk or bike for pleasure or health and those disadvantaged persons that have no choice but to walk or bike to fulfill their needs.
G25. Environmental justice tracts? No
G26. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions? No
This project may help decrease the amount of emissions or the reliance on fuels but with the smaller population of Louisburg, this admittedly wouldn’t have the same impact as a new sidewalk in more populated metro area.
G27. Natural Resource information:
G28. Community Links at Watershaed Scale:
G29. Explain local land use or comprehensive plans: Both the newly adopted Bright Future comprehensive plan and the Master Trail Plan for the City support sidewalk/trail extensions in this area. In the Master Trail Plan, bicycle and pedestrian improvements from Broadway to Crestview Drive are highlighted in the short-term, 1-3 year, project list. The Bright Future comprehensive plan calls for the City to promote safe and comfortable pedestrian connections between all districts and neighborhoods. This plan noted a sidewalk network was of critical importance to many stakeholders during the plans public engagement process.
G30.1 Complies with MARC’s CSP? No
G30.2 Exception to the MARC CSP? No The buffered lane/sidewalk will be built using KDOT and ADA standards. The Master Trails plan targeted this as a 5 foot wide sidewalk to be built on the south side of Amity Street only as there is not enough right-of-way on the north side because of the cemetery that is adjacent to the road. The Amity/Crestview intersection already has a pedestrian marking at the stoplight. At this time no other crossings of Amity are anticipated.
 
Traveler Type (All Ages & Abilities)
Pedestrians:       
Mobility Aids:       
Bicyclists:       
Transit Riders:       
Cars:       
Trucks:       
Motorcycles:       
Buses:       
Green Streets:       

Project Financial Information

TAP Federal amount: 500  (Thousands of $)
TAP Match amount: 100  (Thousands of $)
TAP Year requested: 2021
Source of Local Match: Infrastructure Improvements
 
Explain:
 
Scope Change:
 
Cost Breakdown:
Highway:   %
Transit:   %
Bike: 50  %
Pedestrian: 50  %
Other:   %

Supporting Documents

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Submitted comments

Catherine Dugger said...

We need bike trails desperately!

4/6/2018 1:02:42 PM

Sharon Murphy said...

My husband is visually impaired and has a guide dog. He is limited to areas around our home to walk but would like to walk further. Having a bike/pedestrian trail to the other side of town would allow them to venture out further.

4/6/2018 2:15:50 PM

Caly Bond said...

I love this idea! Every one should be able to walk/ride their bike to the grocery store and shopping on the West side of town . Thats one of the things I miss about "old" Louisburg. Happy to see this idea come to reality.

4/6/2018 10:37:30 PM

Sipora Coffelt said...

We moved to Louisburg 18 years ago and miss the walking trails available in more suburban areas. This project will expand walking trails and provide those in town and also those living in the exurbs with a place to walk safely.

4/19/2018 4:07:33 PM

Lee Baer said...

Louisburg has been known as the city without sidewalks. The recent projects completed by the city have change the direction of connectivity in town. This project would continue that direction and assist the city in completing portions of the Trails Plan that the city has already invested in.

4/21/2018 4:32:08 PM

Lori Cutshaw said...

I do feel there is a need for the sidewalks. I have observed people walking in the field around First Natl. Bank, through the cemetery, etc. on foot and bicycle. It would be safer for the pedestrians and bicyclist, and drivers who are trying to avoid them.

5/2/2018 10:34:03 AM

Jacob Bell said...

Louisburg needs this to connect old town with the grocery store area. I’m sure many people would love to be able to walk and bike to get their groceries.

5/2/2018 10:47:43 AM

Linda Serrano said...

I like the idea of adding sidewalks to places such as the grocery store. However, I think that store is a long stretch from the city core. I think it would be a good idea to make it more accessible to walk to downtown areas, and maybe bring in more businesses there. Is there a way that we could create a "Grid" of sidewalks that would link Metcalf, to Amity, to Rogers to 9th, (or even 287th for expansion). Im not sure there is a cohesive sidewalk for these areas. And this could be a good walking route for exercise.

5/2/2018 10:53:56 AM

Kelsey Dean said...

Yes, please continue this project to add more sidewalk to Louisburg, KS! Our family lives on the North side of Broadway, which has no sidewalks. We walk/bike in the street, which I feel is unsafe even when I am with my child. Soon my child will be biking/walking to school, and it is scary to think they will be walking on a busy street if the sidewalk project is not funded. We live less than 1/4 mile from the local library, and it is safer to drive than to walk there, which is unfortunate that we cannot walk to such a public location without being afraid for our safety. We also have to dash across a the main bust street (Amity, Rt 68) to get to the library or to school. Children deserve a safe place to walk to school, the local library, the pool, etc. Not only is this an excellent way to get physical activity, it is also a way for children to have safer access to public resources.

5/2/2018 11:30:06 AM

Kathy Smith said...

Yes, Louisburg needs sidewalks desparately! The newer additions East of town have them but the sidewalks that are still around in the downtown area have been here since the beginning. They are in very poor shape and are more of a hazard than help. In addition, there are NO sidewalks in the west part of town.

5/2/2018 1:54:50 PM

Joseph Keefhaver said...

As it currently stands, segments of the community are very disconnected from one another. Walking from the old downtown to the Crestview shopping area is virtually impossible now. This project would be a tremendous improvement.

5/2/2018 2:14:40 PM

Michael M Miller said...

As long as the sidewalk is allowed for both bicycles and pedestrians walking, I am all for it. Any situation that would have bicycles on the street of Amity would be a no. What would the width of the sidewalk on the south side of vanity be?

5/2/2018 2:41:40 PM

James A Keltner said...

This would be helpful. Many people walk and bike now without sidewalks.

5/2/2018 2:59:41 PM

Cindy Karrow said...

I had to walk from my home in Hidden Creek to downtown Louisburg yesterday and then back home. Most of the time I had to walk in the street. No sidewalks until I reached downtown. Help! Put in some sidewalks!

5/2/2018 3:34:51 PM

Anthony said...

Lets make this happen! We need these updates in town. This has been a long time coming!

5/2/2018 4:05:03 PM

Kimberly Payton said...

I think this idea is wonderful, and a long time coming! This will definitely help connect the community, and not only provide safe access to areas in town, but encourage healthier lifestyles by having trails connect.

5/2/2018 4:08:25 PM

Janet Houchen said...

Sidewalks in this area are critical to the safety of our children and those that work on the west edge of town. I see children and adults walking to work or the grocery store having to walk in fields and on the edge of the road. A sidewalk would provide safe access to banks, grocery stores and restaurants for pedistrians.

5/2/2018 4:27:59 PM

Joel Viterna said...

I love this idea. The more sidewalks and trails that city has, the more apt for citizens to get out and walk/bike/jog. Besides the health benefits, it adds a sense of community and allows citizens to interact more regularly. It connects parts of the community that are not connected now because the sidewalk ends, or is non-existent. Seeing friends out is wonderful, creating new friends is better!

5/2/2018 5:45:28 PM

Deanell Wieland said...

I would love to see more sidewalks throughout Louisburg. This would be an asset to the community for all ages of people. Seniors would be able to walk and navigate more easily, children could travel to and from school more safely, the disabled could travel more safely, etc. It would further enhance our already friendly community.

5/2/2018 8:28:35 PM

Stacy Grove said...

Sidewalks would definitely help with accessibility and safety while walking and biking.

5/2/2018 9:37:10 PM

Mary Quinn said...

We desperately need sidewalks in Louisburg. I would love to feel like I could safely walk to the grocery store or other businesses. Right now, I feel like I drive everywhere because it is simply not safe for me or my children to walk or ride their bikes. I would definitely support this project.

5/3/2018 8:55:58 AM

Doug Bowes said...

Its a dangerous situation for our children and grandchildren not having sidewalks to walk on. It is needed before we lose someone to an accident.

5/3/2018 10:29:39 AM

Doug Bowes said...

Its a dangerous situation for our children and grandchildren not having sidewalks to walk on. It is needed before we lose someone to an accident.

5/3/2018 10:30:35 AM

Jenny Diederich said...

Sidewalks are in dire need in the for Louisburg for safety purposes more than anything.

5/3/2018 11:07:11 AM

Robert T Reed said...

Would love to see more infrastructure in Louisburg including more paths, sidewalks, and a NEW library by the HS.

5/3/2018 5:40:47 PM

Foy G. Egbert said...

Providing sidewalks for walking/biking along this very busy highway must be a high-priority necessity! Not only would it mean greater safety and access for our population - but this highway is the "eye of Louisburg" to the world -- and we must do everything possible to make it appealing and pleasing to the public. It would be the icing on the cake for the recent great downtown rehab!

5/3/2018 6:39:34 PM

Jill McElwain said...

I am all for more sidewalks as someone that likes to walk a lot.

5/4/2018 9:14:15 AM

Amani Hasian said...

Very excited about this project. It will be safer for pedestrians and motorists alike.

5/4/2018 9:48:27 AM

Travis Thompson said...

Completion of this sidewalk plan would greatly assist with our communitys pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Our city has done a great job of utilizing financial resources to their fullest, stretching every dollar to fulfill project requirements. Pairing this crucial need with the financial and organizational acumen of our city staff will allow for another successful project partnership.

5/4/2018 2:54:08 PM

Becky Bowes said...

Sidewalks and bike paths are desperately needed to keep our walkers/runners and children safe.

5/4/2018 4:03:47 PM

Sherri Chase said...

Yes, please, we really need sidewalks for safe travels along our roadways. As a public school teacher in Louisburg, I worry about the safety of our children and residents.

5/4/2018 9:15:29 PM

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