SE Kansas City News

The City of Independence is progressing with a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the historic Fairmount neighborhood. The city is seeking additional community feedback on the proposed improvements.

The project aims to revitalize the area, offering long-term benefits for both residents and visitors. It covers Kentucky Road from Arlington Avenue to Ash Avenue and extends south along Ash Avenue to Cedar Avenue. Improvements are also planned for the Fairmount Trail at key intersections.

Focusing on accessibility and sustainability, the project includes sidewalk repairs, a new bicycle boulevard, a multi-purpose trail, and resurfacing of the Fairmount Trail. Key intersections will be upgraded, and drainage infrastructure along Kentucky Road will be improved.

Community feedback gathered at an open house in April has led to additional pedestrian-friendly features being incorporated into the design:

- New curbs and crossings at Ash Avenue & Lexington Avenue

- A speed hump to enhance school crossing safety at Kentucky Avenue & Cedar Avenue

- A retaining wall along Kentucky Road to protect sidewalks from excess runoff

The project is designed for seamless connectivity, linking to a planned pedestrian improvement initiative along US-24 Highway. This effort is supported by a $900,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program and a 20 percent matching grant funded through the City's Streets sales tax.

The project's timeline includes public engagement in Summer 2025, final design completion in Fall 2025, with construction expected to begin in Summer 2026.

Residents can learn more and provide input during a public open house on Thursday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fairmount Community Center (217 S. Cedar Avenue).

For further information, contact Ryan Dickey, Project Engineer at Independence Municipal Services: 816-325-2253 or rdickey@indepmo.org.