Project Update - May 2026

Project Overview

The portion of Southwest Boulevard and 19th Street that spans from Broadway Boulevard to Grand Boulevard has been identified as a candidate for a "road diet" based on High Injury Network crash data. This road diet would convert the roadway from 4 thru-lanes to 2 thru-lanes with a turn lane in the middle. The goal of these changes is to calm traffic and make it easier for drivers to navigate the corridor. The roadway redesign would eliminate passing lanes and dedicate a separated space for cyclists and micromobility users. By adding physical barriers and removing extra lanes, the redesign will also help discourage speeding and unnecessary passing, while improving overall safety for all users.

This project includes the following features:

• Paving
• Striping and signage
• Separated 10’ mobility lane on the south side
• Continuous concrete curb to separate east-bound traffic from the mobility lane

• Concrete bulb-outs on the south side, some with shallow planter beds

While this project focusses on the portion of Southwest Boulevard that goes through the Crossroads, Kansas City Public Works has other efforts to improve safety on other portions of Southwest Boulevard as well. Click here to learn about improvements on Southwest Boulevard between 25th Street to Broadway Boulevard.

Recommended Options

Protected Mobility Lanes

• Physically separated from vehicle traffic and sidewalks, increasing safety and comfort for all roadway users Example: North KC on Armour Rd & Fayette St.

Painted Bump-Outs

• Striping on roadway which narrows the road, slowing turning vehicles, calming traffic, and improving visibility. They shorten crosswalks which reduces the time pedestrians are exposed to traffic. Example: Oak St & 17th St.

Parking

• Clearly marked on-street parking provides a buffer for bike lanes and narrows the street which support traffic calming. The recommendation proposes removing day of week parking restrictions, keeping only time of day limits. Example: Gillham Rd & E 37th St.

Crash Data

Public Engagement

• A community engagement meeting was held July 2025 at ArtsKC. The feedback given by the public helped inform the final design.
• Project team members also shared updates at the Crossroad Community Association meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026.
• Staff members also held two additional "pop-up" opportunities to answer questions in the community on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 and Tuesday, March 24, 2026.