Safety, accessibility, and transit upgrades are underway on 31st Street from Main to Gillham in Kansas City.
Kansas City Breaks Ground on 31st Street Streetscape Project
Kansas City, MO – City officials and community leaders gathered on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, to celebrate the start of the 31st Street Streetscape Project with a groundbreaking ceremony. The event marked the official commencement of a project designed to bring significant safety, accessibility, and transit upgrades to the corridor between Main Street and Gillham Road.
The ceremony took place at the northeast corner of the 31st Street and Grand Avenue intersection. Remarks were delivered by Mayor Quinton Lucas, 4th District Councilmembers Crispin Rea and Eric Bunch, City Manager Mario Vasquez, and staff from the Kansas City Public Works department, all highlighting the project’s importance for the community. Following the remarks, the officials participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking.
The project is set to deliver substantial roadway improvements aimed at creating a safer and more user-friendly environment for pedestrians, transit riders, and drivers. Key enhancements include:
New Pedestrian Signals: These signals will feature audible and vibrating indications to assist all pedestrians.
Consolidated Bus Stops: Stops for the 31 and 85 bus lines will be relocated and improved for better accessibility.
Native Landscaping: The streetscape will be enhanced with native plantings, trees, and shrubs.
Curb Extensions: Bump-outs will be installed around on-street parking to improve pedestrian safety.
Wider Sidewalks: Sidewalk paths will be widened and cleared by relocating streetlights and other obstructions.
Raised Crosswalks: Non-signalized intersections will feature raised crosswalks to improve pedestrian visibility and safety.
Improved Sightlines: Adjustments will be made to enhance visibility for all road users.
Construction began at 31st Street and Walnut Street and will proceed east toward Gillham Road. Throughout the majority of the project, one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction. Any necessary traffic or pedestrian detours will be clearly marked with signage, and access to local business storefronts will be maintained for the duration of the construction.
Roadway improvements include:
New pedestrian signals with audible and vibrating indications
Relocated and consolidated bus stops (31 and 85 lines) with improved accessibility
Native landscaping (native plantings, trees, and shrubs)
Curb extensions (bump outs) around on-street parking
Widening and clearing sidewalk paths by relocating street and decorative lights and other obstructions
Improved sight lines
Raised crosswalks (non-signalized locations)
Traffic impacts include:
Work started at 31st Street and Walnut Street and is moving east towards Gillham
One lane of traffic open on each side of the road for majority of the project
Any traffic or pedestrian detours will be indicated with signage
Access to business storefronts will be maintained throughout construction
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