january 2012

Downtown streetcar project advances

Kansas City, Mo., Jackson County, Mo., Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and MARC are advancing streetcar service on Main Street as the community's "locally preferred alternative." The region has studied rail service in the downtown area for years, but this is the first time options have been narrowed to an agreed-on alignment downtown. A draft final report of the Downtown Corridor Alternatives Analysis is now available. More

Local data sought for bikeway inventory project

MARC is seeking help from local governments and agencies to create new bikeway data for Greater Kansas City. An accurate bikeway inventory is important to several regional planning initiatives, including Creating Sustainable Places, MetroGreen, Public Safety and Complete Streets. Learn how to submit your community's bike data. More

RideShare website upgrades make it easier to find someone to share the ride with

RideShare Connection is an online tool that helps commuters in Greater Kansas City and St. Joseph find carpool, vanpool or bicycle partners based on their starting and destination points, work hours and preferences. A recent upgrade to the website resulted in a number of helpful new features for users. More

Transportation Improvement Program first quarter amendment released for public review

In December, MARC released the 2012 1st Quarter Amendment to the 2012–2016 Transportation Improvement Program for public review and comment. The proposed amendment includes 13 new projects and 11 modified projects in the Kansas City region. Public comments were accepted through Jan. 9. More

Changes proposed to Public Participation Plan

In December, MARC proposed several changes to its Public Participation Plan, which guides how the organization involves citizens and others in the transportation decision-making process. MARC seeks to allow: (1) Transportation Improvement Program revisions for declared emergencies to be processed through an expedited public participation process; and (2) flexibility in how local newspapers are used to advertise public review periods. Comments will be accepted through Feb. 8. More

Transportation Improvement Program special amendment #4 approved

In December, MARC approved special amendment #4 to the 2012–2016 Transportation Improvement Program. The amendment includes three new projects and four modified projects in Kansas. The amendment switched sponsors for project #349224, which involves designing a diverging-diamond interchange at K-10 and Ridgeview Road in Olathe. Amendment details

KDOT study plans to repair or replace Lewis and Clark Viaduct bridges

The Kansas Department of Transportation is studying the condition of nine bridges that make up the Lewis and Clark Viaduct, which carries Interstate 70 across the Kansas River, connecting Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo. KDOT's goal is to develop a long-term, phased plan to prioritize the repair or replacement of the bridges. The study will also identify other roadway improvements needed in the viaduct area. More