The City of Excelsior Springs is hosting a community meeting on December 12th at the Excelsior Springs Community Center between 5:00pm-7:00pm to provide updates on the Safe Streets and Sidewalks program, also known as RAISE. The event will feature brief presentations at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., followed by an open house where attendees can review the numerous projects included in the program.
The initiative, which is already underway, aims to enhance safety and connectivity throughout the city. Surveyors have begun collecting data on topography, public rights of way, and utilities to inform project planning. City leaders are currently navigating the permitting phase, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines while considering environmental impacts.
In the coming months, residents can expect traffic studies to evaluate current traffic patterns, vehicle volume, and community concerns. The planning process will also include detailed design efforts to create safer streets and sidewalks. The final phase will involve soliciting bids from local contractors to carry out construction.
Key improvements include updates to existing roadways, new sidewalks and trails, a pedestrian railroad underpass, and a pedestrian bridge over U.S. Highway 69. Transforming corridors such as U.S. 69 and Missouri Route 10 into “complete streets” is central to the program, with designs aimed at fostering economic growth, multimodal transportation, and public safety.
The program also addresses stormwater management, climate change mitigation, and equitable access to community destinations. Additionally, the city aims to create jobs and incorporate transformative technology while minimizing local costs by leveraging state and federal funding.
Completion of the $21.5 million project is anticipated in summer 2028. Residents can learn more by visiting the project website at publicinput.com/essafestreets. Previous coverage of the project is available at Excelsior Citizen.
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