Kansas City is taking significant steps to overhaul its deadliest roads, with Troost Avenue at the forefront of the city’s Vision Zero program. With nearly 100 road fatalities reported last year, the city has recognized the urgency of addressing its high-injury network of streets.
By allocating funds and initiating strategic plans, Kansas City aims to enhance road safety, reduce traffic deaths, and create a more equitable transportation system.
This article delves into Kansas City’s road safety plans, focusing on the revitalization of Troost Avenue, its Vision Zero program, and the measures to make the city’s streets safer for all.
Vision Zero Program: An Ambitious Goal to End Traffic Deaths by 2030
Launched in 2020, Kansas City’s Vision Zero program aims to eliminate traffic deaths by 2030. The initiative targets streets identified as part of the city’s “high-injury network,” including major thoroughfares such as Truman Road, Independence Avenue, Prospect Avenue, and Troost Avenue.
Achievements to Date:
- $4 Million Annual Budget: For the current fiscal year ending April 30, Vision Zero received a $4 million budget.
- Nearly 250 Projects in 2024: These included speed humps, flashing stop signs, and redesigning problematic streets.
- Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard Redesign: This project reduced the number of driving lanes while adding protected bike lanes and crosswalks.
Despite these efforts, the city reported 97 road fatalities in 2024, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and faster solutions.
Troost Avenue: A Corridor in Crisis
One of Kansas City’s most dangerous streets, Troost Avenue, has witnessed alarming statistics over the past decade:
- 26 fatalities in the past 10 years.
- 3,600 crashes recorded during the same period.
To address this, the city council passed a resolution to apply for a $21 million federal grant under the “Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity” program. If approved, these funds will support:
- Traffic signal updates.
- Redesigned crosswalks.
- Projects promoting safer, multi-modal transportation.
Planned Improvements for Troost Avenue:
- Reduced driving lanes to calm traffic.
- Protected bike lanes.
- Enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, such as safer crosswalks and traffic signals.
These changes are designed to reduce crashes, save lives, and make Troost Avenue accessible for all modes of transportation.
Kansas City’s Strategy: Investing in Safer Roads
To accelerate the Vision Zero initiative, the city has committed $500,000 to hire a consultant tasked with identifying the best solutions for the city’s high-injury network. This includes improvements like:
- Bump-outs to shorten crossing distances for pedestrians.
- Protected crosswalks to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Major street redesigns to control traffic flow and reduce crash risks.
Funding and Budget:
- Current Fiscal Year Budget: $4 million, with plans to double it to $8 million in the next fiscal year.
- Federal Grant Application: $21 million for Troost Avenue improvements.
Councilmember Eric Bunch emphasized the importance of starting these projects early to avoid delays, stating, “If we wait until after the budget approval, it could take years to address these dangerous streets.”
| Improvement | Targeted Streets | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Speed humps | Neighborhood streets | Reduced speeding and safer environments |
| Protected bike lanes | Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd, Troost Avenue | Safer multi-modal transit options |
| Enhanced crosswalks | High-injury network | Safer pedestrian crossings |
| Traffic signal updates | Troost Avenue | Improved traffic flow and safety |
| Street redesigns | High-injury streets | Fewer crashes and fatalities |
Why Troost Avenue Matters
Troost Avenue is more than just a road—it’s a vital corridor touching the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th city council districts. Improving this avenue is not just about traffic safety; it’s about addressing disparities in public infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Key Challenges:
- High crash rates disproportionately affect residents in the Third District.
- Lack of safe infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users.
- Historical neglect has left the corridor in urgent need of revitalization.
3rd District Councilmember Melissa Robinson commented, “This is a step in the right direction to prevent traffic fatalities and improve equity for residents.”
Kansas City’s efforts to overhaul Troost Avenue and other dangerous roads highlight a commitment to safer, more inclusive transportation infrastructure.
The Vision Zero program is a promising step toward reducing traffic fatalities, but its success depends on timely implementation and sufficient funding.
With strategic investments and a clear focus on high-injury networks, Kansas City is poised to create safer streets for all.
The improvements planned for Troost Avenue could serve as a model for other urban areas, proving that well-designed infrastructure can save lives and enhance community well-being.