Mandy
The city of Leawood is facing renewed pressure to improve street safety following the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy, who was struck by a vehicle while riding his electric scooter.
The incident has intensified long-standing calls from parents and residents urging the city to rethink its approach to walkability and pedestrian infrastructure.
During a recent Leawood City Council meeting, several parents shared personal accounts of their children being hit by cars on busy streets such as 83rd Street, emphasizing the urgent need for safer, more accessible pathways—especially in north Leawood, where many areas still lack sidewalks.
City Leaders Weigh New Infrastructure Improvements
At the November 3 council meeting, parents, including the mother of young Duke Ommert, demanded decisive action. Residents stressed that safer streets benefit all ages, not only children, though tragic incidents often force the issue into the spotlight.
Following these testimonies, the city’s Bike/Walk Committee proposed several upgrades to an upcoming 83rd Street improvement project, which the council will review during Monday’s meeting.
Proposed Changes for 83rd Street
Originally rebuilt in 1995, 83rd Street currently features 4-foot sidewalks separated from the curb. The Bike/Walk Committee recommends several substantial updates:
Sidewalk Width Enhancements
- Expanding sidewalks to 5 feet in several locations
- Creating an 8-foot sidewalk along the south side from the west city limits to the north leg of Wenoga Road
- Installing 6-foot sidewalks near State Line Road
- Adding a 1.5- to 2-foot buffer zone between sidewalks and the roadway in select areas
The city’s existing standards require a minimum 5-foot sidewalk for new construction. To accommodate the wider pathways throughout the corridor, the roadway would need to be narrowed from 32 feet to 29 feet, while still allowing room for vehicles to move aside for emergency responders.
Additional Safety Features
The committee also proposes:
- Installing a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) at the north leg of Wenoga on 83rd Street
- Adding striped bike lanes between Wenoga and Meadow
- Updating traffic signals at 83rd & Lee Boulevard and 83rd & State Line Road to restrict left turns during pedestrian signal activation
Cost & Timeline Implications
If the City Council approves these expanded improvements, the project will exceed the current $5.3 million budget.
Construction would likely be delayed until 2027 as engineers and staff revise the design. The exact increase in cost has not yet been determined.
The upcoming council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday at Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive.
Conclusion
Leawood’s renewed attention to pedestrian safety reflects deep community concern, especially among parents who have experienced dangerous or life-altering incidents on local roads.
As the City Council considers significant updates to 83rd Street, residents hope these changes will mark the beginning of a broader commitment to building safer, more walkable neighborhoods.
The decisions made now will shape the future of mobility, accessibility, and well-being for families throughout the city.
FAQs
1. Why are Leawood parents demanding street safety improvements?
Parents are urging action after several accidents involving children, including the death of a 10-year-old boy on Lee Boulevard.
2. What upgrades are being proposed for 83rd Street?
Recommendations include wider sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian beacons, and signal changes to restrict left turns during walk phases.
3. Will these changes affect the project cost or timeline?
Yes. Expanding the scope would push construction to 2027 and increase costs beyond the current $5.3 million estimate.