Excelsior Springs residents may have noticed white trucks and lines appearing on various streets recently. These markings are part of the ongoing work by surveyors laying out the areas designated for construction as part of the Safe Streets and Sidewalks Infrastructure project. The surveyors have created a detailed topographical map that highlights elevation changes, providing crucial data for the design phase of the project. This information will help determine the optimal side of 10 Highway for pedestrian pathways, whether on the North or South, while taking into account existing culverts, guard rails, and other potential obstacles.
City Manager Molly McGovern emphasized that while the city is deeply involved in the planning process, the actual design and construction will be handled by a specialized services and an engineer construction team. The city’s role will be to collaborate with this team, offering insights into the areas under development and discussing potential scenarios to ensure the best possible outcomes.
One of the critical aspects of the project is the installation of new sidewalks, which will connect downtown Excelsior Springs to the west side, providing safe and accessible routes for all pedestrians, including those using wheelchairs. In some areas, the highway will need to be narrowed to accommodate these walkways, particularly around existing guard rails. The city is also collecting traffic accident data to help measure the impact of these improvements on overall safety.
The longevity of the railroad bridge on 10 Highway/Kearney Road had been a point of concern. However, it has been determined that the railroad will not be replacing the bridge anytime soon, clearing the way for the construction of a pedestrian tunnel underneath. This tunnel, likely to be 10 feet wide and 80 feet long, will ensure that pedestrians and wheelchair users can safely cross without having to navigate around the bridge pillars or enter the roadway.
The first phase of construction will focus on areas that do not involve the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), starting with the much-anticipated sidewalks. These sidewalks were a key motivation for the city to seek funding in the first place, as they will provide safe routes for children walking to and from school. Additionally, the project will include the construction of a pedestrian bridge over 69 Highway, eliminating the need for anyone to cross the highway on foot to reach schools, the community center, or the park.
As the project continues to move forward, residents can expect to see more visible signs of progress, with the city working closely with its design and construction partners to ensure that these vital improvements are made as efficiently and effectively as possible.
To keep the public informed, the city has provided a website dedicated to the project at https://esmo-safestreets.com/.
About the Grant
The City of Excelsior Springs has been awarded $21.5 million in grant funding from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program for its Safe Streets and Sidewalks Infrastructure project. With contributing funds from the City and Chamber’s Westside CID, along with Congressman Sam Graves assistance in earmarking an additional grant makes the total for the total project $32 million. Graves was instrumental in receiving the RAISE grant, too.
Nearly a decade in the making, this project promises to bring transformative changes to the city’s infrastructure, fostering stronger community connections, boosting local business opportunities, and significantly improving travel safety.
The grant will fund a wide range of improvements, including roadway and intersection upgrades, the construction of sidewalks and shared-use paths, and the enhancement of streetscapes. City officials also highlight that the Safe Streets and Sidewalks project will generate new jobs and make essential amenities more accessible.
Notably, this $21.5 million grant is the largest awarded in Missouri and ranks seventh nationwide.
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