Marina
Broadway Boulevard in Midtown Kansas City is about to undergo a big transformation. City officials have finalized a “road diet” plan for the stretch between 31st Street and 43rd Street.
The project aims to slow down traffic, reduce crashes, and make the road safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Resurfacing is expected to begin this fall, with work possibly starting as early as next week. The redesigned Broadway will feature a protected cycle track, angled parking, fewer driving lanes, and upgraded landscaping.
This change comes after years of safety concerns, with crash data showing rising numbers of fatalities and serious injuries along this busy corridor.
Why a Road Diet for Broadway?
Traffic studies show that despite fewer cars traveling on Broadway in recent years, the number of fatal and serious crashes has increased.
- Between 2015 and 2024, there were:
- 5 fatal crashes
- 33 crashes with serious injuries
- 415 crashes with minor injuries
The city wants to reverse this trend by slowing speeds and creating a safer environment for all road users.
Key Features of the Broadway Redesign
The new layout will change depending on the section of the road. Below is a breakdown of what’s coming:
| Section of Broadway | Design Features |
|---|---|
| 31st St – Linwood Blvd | Angled parking on east side (replacing parallel parking); 1 lane northbound; 2 lanes southbound merging into 1 |
| Linwood Blvd – Westport Rd | Cycle track on east side with parallel parking as buffer; 1 lane each direction; angled parking on west side |
| Westport Rd – 43rd St | 1 lane each direction; parallel parking; sidewalk extensions planned for the future |
| All Sections | Medians, landscaping improvements, and safer pedestrian crossings |
The cycle track will be similar to the protected lane along Gillham Plaza, giving cyclists a safe and separated route through Midtown.
Travel Time Impact
Some drivers may be concerned about slower commutes. According to city officials, the road diet will add:
- +45 seconds going northbound
- +1 minute 17 seconds going southbound
This is a small trade-off for the reduced crash risk and improved safety for all road users.
Safety Benefits
The design is based on proven safety improvements from similar road diets across the country. Benefits include:
- Lower speeds → Fewer high-impact crashes.
- Protected cycle lanes → Safer space for cyclists.
- Angled and parallel parking → Creates buffers between traffic and pedestrians.
- Medians and landscaping → Improve visibility and calm traffic.
This section of Broadway has long been seen as dangerous, and the redesign is expected to save lives and reduce injuries.
Public Feedback and City Response
Officials first presented design options in the summer and collected feedback from residents, businesses, and commuters. Many residents supported safer sidewalks and bike lanes, while some business owners raised concerns about losing traffic lanes.
The final version reflects a balance — adding angled parking to increase parking capacity while also building a cycle track to make Midtown more bike-friendly.
Broader Context- Kansas City’s Bike-Friendly Push
This project is part of Kansas City’s larger effort to make streets safer and more accessible. Other recent projects include:
- The Gillham Plaza cycle track, a model for Broadway’s design.
- Road diets on Truman Road and Armour Boulevard, both credited with reducing crashes.
- New landscaping and medians citywide to create more attractive and people-friendly streets.
Kansas City leaders say these projects will help prepare the city for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will be critical.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Broadway Road Diet |
| Location | 31st Street – 43rd Street, Midtown KC |
| Features | Cycle track, angled parking, medians, sidewalk extensions |
| Travel Time Change | +45s northbound, +1m17s southbound |
| Crash Data (2015–2024) | 5 fatal, 33 serious, 415 minor |
| Work Start | Fall 2025 (possible next week) |
| Parking Type | Mix of angled and parallel |
| Goal | Reduce crashes, slow speeds, improve safety |
Why This Matters for Midtown
Broadway is one of Midtown’s busiest and most visible corridors. The changes will:
- Protect cyclists with a safe, dedicated lane.
- Encourage walking with wider sidewalks and safer crossings.
- Support businesses with more angled parking spaces.
- Beautify the corridor through landscaping and medians.
- Reduce deadly crashes, saving lives and lowering injury risks.
For a neighborhood long plagued by high crash rates, this redesign represents a step toward making Midtown a safer, greener, and more vibrant place to live and work.
The Broadway Road Diet between 31st and 43rd Streets is one of Kansas City’s most ambitious street redesigns in years. By adding a cycle track, angled parking, medians, and safer crosswalks, the project aims to balance the needs of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Though commutes may take a minute longer, the benefits — including fewer crashes, safer streets, and a more attractive Midtown — are far more valuable.
With work starting this fall, residents can expect to see Broadway transformed into a model of safety, accessibility, and community pride.
Kansas City is sending a clear message: streets are for everyone, and safety comes first.