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G8.1 Project title:
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Highway 7 - Pedestrian Improvements From I-70 to US-40 (Central Phase)
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G8.2 Project description: |
Highway 7 is a north-south principal arterial through the City of Blue Springs that connects multiple commercial areas and adjacent residential neighborhoods. The corridor currently accommodates vehicles, trucks, buses, and bicyclists. However, Highway 7 generally lacks pedestrian facilities, which limits an important transportation choice across and along this commercial corridor. Therefore, the City of Blue Springs will construct pedestrian improvements including sidewalks, ADA ramps, crosswalks, and traffic signal modifications along Highway 7 from I-70 to US-40. Multiple RideKC transit stops along Highway 7 will also be upgraded. Sidewalks and associated improvements will be constructed on one side of the roadway to meet the needs of pedestrians and mobility aid users. If the vision for commuter rail to downtown Blue Springs becomes feasible, pedestrian access could be provided via a connection to the proposed Highway 7 sidewalk.
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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: |
Non-Motorized Transportation - Facilities and SRTS Infrastructure
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G2. Funding Stream: |
STP TAP
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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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In 2001, the City completed the Highway 7 Corridor Study to address the need for safety improvements. A major strategy in the study included constructing continuous sidewalk along Highway 7, providing adequate crosswalks at signalized intersections, and encouraging pedestrian cross-connections between businesses. This strategy continues to be supported by the Comprehensive Plan (2014), Sidewalk and ADA Transition Plan (2015), and Capital Improvements Program (2017). The Highway 7 (North Phase) project from Pink Hill Road to I-70 is included in the Transportation Improvements Program (TIP #625032). Therefore, the City seeks to continue extending phased sidewalk improvements through this project (Central Phase). With traffic volumes approaching 35,000 vehicles per day, sidewalk will add an alternative transportation option to enable mobility, connectivity, and access for pedestrians, transit users, and mobility aid users.
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G9. Origin and ending
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Route:
From:
To:
Length (Miles):
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Highway 7
I-70
US-40
1.5
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G10. Functional Classification:
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Principal 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
Highway 7 through the city is owned and operated by MoDOT. Coordination with MoDOT will be required to construct the sidewalk within right-of-way, upgrade existing traffic signals, and improve crosswalks to current design standards. The project will increase safety, efficiency, and functionality of the corridor for both entities. Coordination with KCATA will also be required to upgrade existing transit stops and provide better first-mile/last-mile connections to transit services. Additionally, the project also 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. The project is listed as an unconstrained project (Project ID: 210) within Transportation Outlook 2040.
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G13. Included in a CIP?
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Yes
The project is included in the city’s 2018-2023 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as item ST-43. Three phases of sidewalk improvements are described in the CIP. The North Phase was selected to receive partial funding from the Surface Transportation Program and construction is expected to begin in 2020. The remaining two phases, the Central Phase and South Phase, are currently unfunded. 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. At this time, the overall vision for the Highway 7 corridor is implemented on a case-by-case basis as redevelopment occurs.
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G14. Planning stage:
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Conceptual 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 outlines a goal of “overcoming physical barriers with strategic connections across corridors.” One of two target corridors to focus efforts upon is Highway 7. The project is one strategy to renovate a dilapidated corridor in the heart of the community. Sidewalk and crossing improvements are part of a greater strategy to promote a pedestrian-scale street along Highway 7, avoid future commercial strip development, and redevelop adjacent areas based on the community vision.
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G19. Transportation Disadvantaged Population:
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As outlined in the Blue Springs Comprehensive Plan, the percentage of older adults and persons with disabilities is expected to increase. The sidewalk improvements will enable safe access to destinations such as grocery stores, shopping centers, government offices, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Rotary Park, and downtown Blue Springs. Additionally, the pedestrian facilities will provide a safe route for transit users to access transit stops along the corridor, 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.
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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 the Comprehensive Plan, Highway 7 Corridor Study, and Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The development process for each document 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, group discussions, and social media. 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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In addition to public meetings at different stages of project development, the City has a Public Information Officer that will use all forms of social media to ensure public input opportunities are provided during the life of the project. Community support is expected from neighborhoods adjacent to the activity centers along Highway 7 as additional transportation options are provided. The corridor is constrained by limited right-of-way and the presence of utilities. As the sidewalk project will require small acquisitions of right-of-way and easements, it will be imperative that commercial businesses are notified early of the pending project, the benefits of the project, and requirements in order to construct the sidewalk.
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G22. Sustainable Places Criteria:
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Access to Healthy Foods---Active Transportation/Living---Age in Place---Compact, Walkable Centers---
Complete Street Design---Connected Street Network-------Diverse Housing Types---
----Green Infrastructure-------Integrated Trail System---
--------Optimize Parking---Pedestrian-Oriented Public Realm---
----Repair Strip Corridors-------Strong Suburban Downtown---
Transit-Ready Corridors----Unique Community Characteristics
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G22.1. Describe CSP relationship:
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With the most recent update to the Comprehensive Plan and associated changes to the Unified Development Code, Blue Springs has embraced many of the sustainable development criteria. The Comprehensive Plan includes provisions for new developments, redevelopments, corridor reinvestments, and improvements to existing infrastructure to promote transportation options to commerce, parks, natural areas, and recreation destinations. The Comprehensive Plan utilizes place type designations rather than traditional land use patterns. These designations enhance unique community characteristics and include neighborhoods, gathering places, neighborhood centers, distinct destinations, business hubs, corridor reinvestment areas, industrial areas, future growth areas, and open space. The strength of this approach is the ability to promote connections between place types and allow for mixed-uses which leads to many forms of sustainability.
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G23. Implements Sustainable Places Initiatives?
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Yes
In 2013, the Highway 7 and US-40 intersection was included in the Creating Sustainable Places (CSP) 40 Highway Corridor and Focus Area Plan. The Plan highlights that the Highway 7 and US-40 intersection is intended to be a potential redevelopment area with pedestrian-scale features, mixed-use development, and an enhanced gateway to the city. This project supports the recommendation by providing sidewalks, ADA ramps, crosswalks, and traffic signal modifications to offer pedestrian-scale features at any important activity center. The City has also embraced many of the sustainable development criteria. The recently updated Comprehensive Plan includes provisions for new developments, redevelopments, corridor reinvestments, and improvements to existing infrastructure to promote transportation options to commerce, parks, natural areas, and recreation destinations. The City has also adopted a Complete Streets policy.
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G24. Serves Regional Activity Center?
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Yes
Highest-Intensity and Most-Walkable Centers
The entire project corridor is a high-intensity activity center with a direct connection to the highest-intensity activity center at downtown Blue Springs. The sidewalk improvements support safe pedestrian mobility along the Highway 7 to access destinations within the activity centers. There are many businesses, public library, parks, and existing and future transit stops along the corridor. It is important for nearby residents to have the ability to walk safely along the corridor, particularly those without vehicles, those who cannot operate vehicles, and those wishing to use alternative transportation options. The project has the potential to directly serve thousands of Blue Springs residents.
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G25. Environmental justice tracts?
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No
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G26. Reduces greenhouse gas emissions?
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Yes
The sidewalk improvements provide transportation choices beyond the use of a personal vehicle, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of carbon-based fuels. Safe pedestrian paths and crossings will encourage further pedestrian activity. Additionally, transit users will have improved access to existing and future transit stops along Highway 7.
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G27. Natural Resource information:
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Highway 7 lies on a ridge between two distinct watersheds. The proposed project is located in a previously developed area. The project purpose is to connect neighborhoods with businesses, parks, libraries, and other distinct areas along and near the corridor via an additional transportation choice. Existing city policies preserve adjacent streams. Additionally, Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake are located to the west and city parks are located near the corridor. Providing transportation options to these places raises awareness and builds support for preserving and restoring natural resources.
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G28. Community Links at Watershaed Scale:
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For new development and redevelopment, city codes require the preservation of streams and encourage development patterns that preserve forested areas. Additionally, post-construction stormwater quality best management practice provisions are adopted and enforced. Lastly, the City of Blue Springs is unique in that residents have direct access to two large Corps of Engineers lakes which are located directly to the west. Providing linkages to these amenities is identified as an important advantage the City of Blue Springs has in order to maintain long-term stability and sustainability.
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G29. Explain local land use or comprehensive plans:
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In 2001, the City completed the Highway 7 Corridor Study to address the need for safety improvements. A major strategy in the study included constructing continuous sidewalk along Highway 7, providing adequate crosswalks at signalized intersections, and encouraging pedestrian cross-connections between businesses as feasible. This strategy continues to be supported by the Comprehensive Plan (2014), Sidewalk and ADA Transition Plan (2015), and Capital Improvements Program (2017). The plans call for assessing sidewalk gaps and phasing improvements along Highway 7. Therefore, the Capital Improvements program includes three phases of pedestrian improvements along Highway 7. The Highway 7 (North Phase) project from Pink Hill Road to I-70 is included in the Transportation Improvements Program (TIP #625032). Therefore, City seeks to continue extending sidewalk improvements through this project (Central Phase).
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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
Design standards for the proposed sidewalk will comply with ADA requirements, Blue Springs Design and Construction Manual requirements, MoDOT Engineering Policy Guide, MARC Complete Streets Policy, and Kansas City Metro Materials Board concrete standards. Where applicable, seating and landscaping will be considered. The project has the potential to reduce vehicular traffic on Highway 7, resulting in improved air quality and several other sustainability initiatives.
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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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