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G8.1 Project title:
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Woods Chapel Road - Phase 2
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G8.2 Project description: |
Due to increasing traffic growth along the Woods Chapel Road corridor, this project is a continuation of phased improvements in order to increase roadway capacity and provide multimodal accommodations. Phase 1 of the project from I-70 to Walnut Road was completed in Fall 2016. This project, Phase 2, will improve the existing two-lane roadway from Walnut Road to US-40 to a three-lane roadway with a continuous center turn lane and right-turn lanes where warranted. The improvements will include bicycle lanes and sidewalk on both sides of the roadway to provide connectivity for bicyclists, pedestrians, and mobility aid users. Intersection improvements at the Woods Chapel Road and US-40 intersection will also be incorporated into the project. The project corridor provides access for transit users to a park-and-ride and transit stop located near Woods Chapel Road and I-70, which provides access to the RideKC system via Route I-70.
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G8.3 Project contact: |
Jeff Sell,
Assistant Public Works Director,
901 Vesper Street,
Blue Springs, MO 64105,
816-228-0205,
jsell@bluespringsgov.com
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G1. Project Type: |
Road & Bridge - Roadway Operations
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G2. Funding Stream: |
STP
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G3. TIP Number: |
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G4. State: |
Missouri
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G5. Project county: |
1. Jackson
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G6. Project municipality: |
1. Blue Springs
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G7. Multiple agencies / jurisdictions?
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No
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G8.4 Purpose and need:
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As one of three corridors within the city that provides access to I-70 and US-40, traffic demands along Woods Chapel Road are growing and the existing asphalt pavement is structurally failing. The corridor does not meet current design standards and does not comply with the city’s Complete Streets policy. This project, Phase 2, is the final phase of improvements to address capacity issues along a growing corridor, better serve existing businesses and neighborhoods, extend bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and offer an enhanced gateway into the city. While transit service is limited in the city, bicycle and pedestrian facilities along Woods Chapel Road will provide a safe route for transit users to access the transit stop near I-70, thereby providing access to opportunities via the RideKC network. Intersection improvements at Woods Chapel Road and US-40 will also help address over 45 crashes that occurred from 2012-2017.
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G9. Origin and ending
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Route:
From:
To:
Length (Miles):
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Woods Chapel Road
Walnut Road
US-40
0.61
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G10. Functional Classification:
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Minor Arterial
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G11. In Transportation Outlook 2040?
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Yes
Decade:
2010
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G12. Muli-Agency Plan?
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Yes
The project aligns with the goals of the Jackson County Comprehensive Plan in that this project offers opportunities to alternative modes of transportation, provides a better connection between transportation and land uses, and increases connectivity between local activity centers and regional destinations. To the south, Jackson County and the City of Lees Summit have widened Woods Chapel Road from US-40 Hwy to I-470. To the north, the City of Independence has aligned their 39th Street corridor improvements to interface with the Woods Chapel Road corridor. The project is listed as an unconstrained project (Project ID: 417) within Transportation Outlook 2040.
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G13. Included in a CIP?
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Yes
The Woods Chapel Road - Phase 2 project from Walnut Road to US-40 is included in the city’s 2018-2023 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as item ST-09 under the Capital Improvements category. The CIP seeks to advance the strategic goals adopted by the City Council including public safety, infrastructure, neighborhood preservation, development and redevelopment, and revenue stability. Based on the five-year planning period, the city’s capital investment needs exceed the current level of funding.
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G14. Planning stage:
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Preliminary Plan
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G15. Reviewed by state DOT?
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No
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G16. Right-of-Way acquisition: |
Not started
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G17. ROW by local public agency process manual?
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Yes
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G18. Other unique local goals and objectives?
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Yes
The Blue Springs Comprehensive Plan identifies connectivity and roadway improvements along Woods Chapel Road as part of the N1: Land Use & Development Plan. The focus area is to include Complete Streets elements in preparation for future residential development. In 2008, Blue Springs voters approved a bond issue for improvements to the Woods Chapel Road corridor and two other capital roadway projects. The other two roadway projects and Woods Chapel Road - Phase 1 were completed using this funding source. The city is now seeking to complete Woods Chapel Road - Phase 2.
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G19. Transportation Disadvantaged Population:
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The project includes bicycle and pedestrian facilities that provide transportation choices for residents, employees, and visitors. Additionally, the bicycle and pedestrian facilities will provide a safe route for transit users to access the transit stop near I-70, thereby providing access to the greater Kansas City region via the RideKC network. Therefore, the increase in safe transportation choices will positively impact transportation disadvantaged populations (low income, minority, older adults, persons with disabilities, zero car households, and veterans) that may more heavily rely on transportation options other than a personal vehicle. Providing these multimodal facilities helps connect transportation disadvantaged populations to employment, community resources, a city park, and other opportunities.
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G20. Relevant Public Engagement:
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This project had a strong public engagement component prior to its inclusion in both the Comprehensive Plan and the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Both processes featured public meetings, public engagement exercises, and were featured in public notices with significant comment periods. Furthermore, the project was approved by City Council, and was therefore included in a public docket. All persons within the community, including transportation disadvantaged populations, and the surrounding area were invited to participate in public processes. The engagement tools used included a SWOT analysis, visioning exercises, and group discussions. The information gathered from the public was used to refine study areas and focuses, develop initial concepts, and evaluate the city’s plan. All public engagement events were made accessible to persons with disabilities and those who require accommodations when notified prior to the event.
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G21. Planned Public Engagement:
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Following successful completion of Phase 1, the City is now seeking to advance Phase 2. Next steps include a new set of public outreach activities to further develop the concept and opportunities provided by the project. The public, including transportation disadvantaged populations, will be asked to evaluate the city’s plans prior to development and adoption. Therefore, the city can ensure that the plan is refined in a manner to reflect public comments and concerns. All public engagement events will be accessible to persons with disabilities and those who require special accommodations.
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G22. Sustainable Places Criteria:
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----Active Transportation/Living---Age in Place---Compact, Walkable Centers---
Complete Street Design---Connected Street Network---Context Appropriate Streets---Diverse Housing Types---
----Green Infrastructure---Infill-Rehab Housing---Integrated Trail System---
Mixed-Density Neighborhoods---Natural Resources Protection-------Pedestrian-Oriented Public Realm---
----Repair Strip Corridors-----------
Transit-Ready Corridors---Tree PreservationUnique Community Characteristics
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G22.1. Describe CSP relationship:
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The project incorporates bicycle lanes and sidewalks (which provide access to transit stops) to greater accommodate all users. Multimodal accommodations will support active transportation, promote physical activity, and provide connections to area parks and lakes. As one of three corridors within the city that provides access to I-70 and US-40, the project is an important corridor that connects the street network. As this phase is located in a primarily residential area, the typical section was adjusted to three lanes in order to provide a context-appropriate street. The project corridor supports varying types and densities of housing including single-family homes, duplexes, and senior housing. There are also opportunities along the corridor to provide infill housing on larger or undeveloped lots. Improvements will also support development near the US-40 intersection. The project will include native landscaping elements and preserve trees.
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G23. Implements Sustainable Places Initiatives?
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Yes
In 2013, the Woods Chapel Road and US-40 intersection was included in the Creating Sustainable Places (CSP) 40 Highway Corridor and Focus Area Plan. The Woods Chapel Road corridor was specifically identified as a potential parkway with multimodal accommodations. This recommendation was advanced during Phase 1 improvements and will further implemented through Phase 2 improvements such as bicycle lanes, sidewalks, center median improvements (as appropriate), and native landscaping. The Plan also prioritizes mixed-use development and an enhanced gateway at the Woods Chapel Road and US-40 intersection node. Therefore, this project provides multimodal access to US-40, a potential future transit corridor, and seeks to spur interest in private development by investing in the public realm.
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G24. Serves Regional Activity Center?
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Yes
High-Intensity and More_Walkable Centers
A high-intensity activity center is located at the Woods Chapel Road and US-40 intersection. The project improves the quality and quantity of transportation options to this activity center and potential redevelopment node. The project also enhances multimodal connectivity to other activity centers located near the Heritage Farm Retirement community and northern portions of the corridor near I-70. As one of three corridors within the city that provides access to I-70 and US-40, the project connects two important activity centers within the city.
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G25. Environmental justice tracts?
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Yes
The Woods Chapel Road corridor is the most direct route from I-70 to the environmental justice tracts located around the Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo areas. The multimodal improvements will improve access for vehicles, transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
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G26. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions?
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Yes
Bicycle lanes and sidewalk included in the project provide transportation choices beyond the use of a personal vehicle, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of carbon-based fuels. The bicycle and pedestrian facilities also provide a safe route for transit users to access the transit stop near I-70 and potential future transit stops along US-40. The northern limits of the project also connect to the existing roundabout at Walnut Street, which decreases vehicle idling and emissions compared to a traditional traffic signal.
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G27. Natural Resource information:
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The project will include native landscaping elements that serve both aesthetic and stormwater functions. The preservation of existing trees will be accommodated as feasible during design. All areas will incorporate best management practices for erosion control during construction and all disturbed areas will be improved as soon as feasible.
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G28. Community Links at Watershaed Scale:
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The Blue Springs Comprehensive Plan accounts for the need to conserve natural habitat and open spaces and restore natural amenities along corridors. The Plan directly references efforts to preserve natural areas near or along corridors in order to provide buffers to more sensitive natural areas, as well as restoring lost natural amenities, such as trees, when construction causes changes to natural areas. Therefore, the City will first evaluate how to best proceed with improvements without disturbing natural habitat, and, when necessary, will seek restoration methods to reserve the natural area. Although the Woods Chapel Road corridor is relatively narrow, the City will install trees and native landscaping where appropriate. All areas will incorporate best management practices for erosion control during construction all disturbed areas will be improved as soon as feasible.
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G29. Explain local land use or comprehensive plans:
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This project is featured as the cornerstone in the Comprehensive Plan and Capital Improvements Program. In the early 2010s, the City engaged residents and business owners to update the Comprehensive Plan. Based on their input, the Plan calls for “breathing new life into old car-oriented corridors.” Therefore, the Plan advocates for capacity improvements and bicycle connections along Woods Chapel Road and supports redevelopment opportunities near the US-40 intersection. Additionally, the Woods Chapel Road corridor was identified in the Creating Sustainable Places (CSP) 40 Highway Corridor and Focus Area Plan as a potential parkway with multimodal accommodations. This recommendation was advanced during Phase 1 improvements and will further implemented through Phase 2 improvements such as bicycle lanes, sidewalks, center median improvements (as appropriate), and native landscaping. The Plan also prioritizes mixed-use development and an enhanced gateway near the US-40 intersection.
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G30.1 Complies with MARC’s CSP?
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Yes
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G30.2 Exception to the MARC CSP?
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No
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Traveler Type (All Ages & Abilities)
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Pedestrians:
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Mobility Aids:
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Bicyclists:
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Transit Riders:
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Cars:
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Trucks:
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Motorcycles:
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Buses:
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Green Streets:
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