Summary of Commercial Pedestrian Project

Smithville, MO

Contact Information

Organization: Smithville, MO
Contact person: Charles Soules
Title: Dir. of PW
Phone: (816) 532-3897
E-mail: csoules@smithvillemo.org
Organization address: 107 W. Main St.
  Smithville, KS    64089


Pre-Application Information

PA Project title/name: Commercial Pedestrian Project
PA Agency type: City
PA Agency Name: Smithville, MO
PA Primary project mode: Pedestrian
PA Secondary project mode: Bike/Pedestrian
PA Project type: Non-Motorized Transportation - Facilities and SRTS Infrastructure
PA Project description: Within the City of Smithville, Missouri, the project includes the development of 4,500 linear feet of 6-foot wide pedestrian pathway starting at the Smithville School District property and ending on Main Street in downtown Smithville. The project would include the pedestrian pathway, a seat wall, and some water hydrant relocations along the east side of S. Commercial. The existing sidewalk on the west side will remain but is only 3-4’ wide located directly behind back of curb, though this is not a comfortable walking environment. The project includes ADA improvements on all legs at intersecting streets with crosswalk markings. Bike Sharrows will be installed on Commercial Street from HWY 92 to Main Street in downtown Smithville with new share the road signage.
PA Connected KC 2050 Project Number: No
PA Connected KC 2050 underlying strategies selected
PA Strategies Description: The project will connect four main activity centers in town. As one of the most busiest pedestrian corridors within the community, off-street pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is critical to the safety of the residents. Currently, pedestrian movement shares the road with motor vehicles. Several neighborhoods, bicyclists and pedestrians will have the ability to get to the following with safe, new pedestrian friendly infrastructure. 1) Access to the school for education, sports, and other activities 2) Access to the Hospital for emergency and other health services 3) Access to the Historic Downtown for shopping, dining and other community and recreational activities 4 Access to the regional amenity, Smithville Lake, and all of its existing leisure activities including baseball and soccer, fishing as well as access to larger community trail network. This pedestrian pathway is vital to the safety of our community but also as important promotes livable and vibrant communities, enhance residents’ quality of life and will provide equal access to vulnerable populations. In addition to greater connectivity, the project supports climate protection through the reduction of emissions by providing an alternative to driving and reduced heat island affect supported by the new tree growth.
PA Complete Streets Description: South Commercial Street has the vision to be transformed from a traditional collector street to the major north/south complete street within Smithville providing all of the elements typical to a complete street ( ped/bicycle facilities, green infrastructure, signage, gathering nodes, etc.) This project with FHA support will help the community of Smithville’s development the pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure. The project provides the community a safe pedestrian transportation route. Bike Sharrows will also be included and connect HWY 92 to the Downtown and along the MainStreet Trail with shared bike facilities. Street Trees will be planted where the right-of-way width is available. As the Complete Streets Policy is created in 2021, additional green infrastructure opportunities will be identified for S. Commercial Street.
PA Safety: While pedestrians are separated and protected from roadway traffic when utilizing sidewalks, they often have to cross streets and encounter conflict points with motorized vehicles along the way. Factors such as street connectivity, block length, and sidewalk conditions all impact the safety of pedestrians. The existing sidewalk behind the curb line does not promote the sense of safety. The new pedestrian pathway on the east side of S. Commercial will implement many safety measures while reducing risk including ADA accessibility, enhance pedestrian facilities at street crossings, and buffer between pedestrian and motorized vehicles. As described within the Regional Safety Blueprint and specifically the three emphasis, Infrastructure, Behavioral and Special User, this project provides a safe route for all ages and physical abilities to and from school, employment nodes and recreational amenities. The project implements signage and pavement marking identifying that cyclists and motorists are to share the road will improve safety for cyclists.
PA Air Quality: By completing this new, safe pedestrian path along through this critical corridor, residents will have the facilities available to them to consider alternative transportation nodes. The project will promote residents walking, running and biking to downtown for shopping, dining, and community events. This project would provide students a safe route to walk or bike to school versus driving and being dropped off. The project will be a win and will support healthy alternatives, reducing the need for car trips and the associated emissions generated from those car trips.
PA Conservation: At locations throughout the corridor, the City will look for opportunities to provide trees as the primary opportunity for stormwater management. As documented in various MARC environmental studies, leaf cover can absorb and transpire 30% of rainfall over an area. Specifically, closer to end nodes including the downtown and school district property, there will be more opportunities to plant new trees, reduce runoff, and provide shade to the pedestrians along the corridor.
PA Environment: This project will have minimal impact to urban heat islands or flooding. The benefits of providing an alternative means to access the school, downtown and the Lake versus driving a car will have an overall positive impact on the community and environment. The pavement material will be concrete which will have better reflectivity than other products and will hold less heat emitted into the night-time sky. In addition, new street trees will provide shade for the pedestrian and also lessen the heat island affect.
PA Funding
CMAQ
STP/STBG
TAP/STP Set Aside
PA Travel Lane: False
PA Congestion Management Measures Selected:
Access Management:
Active Transportation
Highway
Land Use
Parking
Regulatory>
TDM
Transit
Transportation Operations and Management
PA CMT Description: This project invests resources into non-motorized modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. By developing a pedestrian friendly corridor along S. Commercial Street, the community will have a new asset that provides increased safety and mobility in a cost-efficient manner. They byproduct of this project is the better air quality associated with the new facilities for zero-emission modes of transportation as well as the overall improved health of the community.
PA SOV Capacity: N/A
PA Pre-application Statement: Changes made
PA Pre-application Statement Text: Yes. The input from the pre-application process was very helpful. The opportunities present through this FHA funding cycle can really help the City of Smithville achieve its complete street vision for S. Commercial. With this grant application, the City as extended the facilities for bicyclist that fit into the category of “Lycra Wearing Bicyclist.” The City has expanded the project to include bicycle sharrow pavement paint and "Share the Road" signage to support both the “Commuter” and “Tech Geek” population of bicyclist. The 6’ wide pedestrian path behind the curb will support the families (or “no way no how” bicyclist). Additional emphasis has been placed at all street intersections to promote safe crossings. Accessible ADA compliant ramps will be constructed on all legs of all intersecting streets. Additional emphasis has been placed on the environmental quality of place and human comfort. Opportunities for street trees will be studied once all property lines have been surveyed to reduce stormwater runoff and provided increased amounts of shade.
PA Pre-Application Staff Alignment:
PA Pre-Aplication Policy Concerns:

General Information

G1. TIP Number:
G2. State: Missouri
G3. Multiple agencies / jurisdictions? No
While not financially supported, the School District is supportive of the project and has submitted a letter of support. Similarly, the residents of Smithville and downtown business owners have spoken. Through the recently completed community engagement listening sessions associated with the Smithville Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Streetscape Project, the pedestrian pathway and bicycle facilities are needed and supported by the community.
G4 Project contact: Charles Soules, PE Director of Public Works City of Smithville 107 W. Main St, Smithville Mo, 64089 Phone (816)532-3897 Cell (816)985-8369
G5 Purpose and need: The project has several purposes that align with the KC2050 plan including 1) focus on population health and equity will empower youth to bike and walk to school and improve their neighborhoods, 2) Connect several activity centers, 3) Improve the environmental impact by reducing the need to use motor vehicles for travel providing a safe bicycle / pedestrian route, 4) improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists 5) provide accessible route for seniors and physically challenged persons to activity centers, and 6) provide alternative for persons without a motor vehicle to access jobs, education, shopping, healthcare. The discussed pedestrian and bicycle facilities within this project are vital to the safe passage of residents to important community activity centers. This is a priority for the City, and the opportunity for enhance connectivity is great.
 
G6. Origin and ending
  Route:
  From:
  To:
  Length (Miles):
Comercial Street
HWY 92
Main Street formally HWY DD
0.85000
G7 Functional Classification: Major Collector
G8 Connected KC 2050 Decade? --Select--
G9 Muli-Agency Plan? No
G10 Included in a CIP? Yes
The City of Smithville has this project listed in the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan
G11 Planning stage: Conceptual Plan
G12 Reviewed by state DOT? No
G13 Right-of-Way acquisition: Not started
G14 ROW by local public agency process manual? Yes
G15 Other unique local goals and objectives? Yes
This project will provide: -access to the downtown and promote local shopping -Access to services and health care -promote healthy lifestyle and exercise -access to Lake and trails - alternative modes to get to school -promote "Share the Road" with cyclists -access local Farmers Market -access to job centers -support/develop a vibrant downtown
G16 Transportation Disadvantaged Population: The project will include an accessible sidewalk that will construct ADA ramps on all legs at all intersecting streets. Currently the existing crossings have full curb making it difficult. The project will access several neighborhoods that are diverse in ages and physical abilities and transportation alternatives. This will provide the residents an alternative to get to businesses, community centers, shopping, health care, and services. The project will provide school aged children the option to bike/ walk to school as an alternative to being driven or bussed. Shared bike facilities also provide access for people to get to recreation and places of employment
G17 Relevant Public Engagement: City Staff are always engaging the community. Started a few years back, the downtown business owners expressed the desire for a more walkable environment to support the ongoing health of the district. Following those discussion, the City completed the downtown streetscape and is currently working to complete a 1-mile long east/west pedestrian pathway between downtown and Smithville Lake. This project will connect residents from the south into the downtown area. In addition, the City is currently undergoing a Comprehensive planning process. The City has been using a number of strategies to encourage input including social media, utility billing notices, City web site, outreach at the Chamber of Commerce, School District board meetings, Parks and Rec board meetings, and miscellaneous civic organizations announcements. Several meetings are being held to identify a vision for the community and goals. Online surveys and community discussion boards were developed asking specific questions about programs and projects. The survey results lead to a preliminary summary and recommendation for this project. This project is part of the communities vision for Safe Routes to schools, improved connectivity, and linking to the downtown streetscape and Main Street Trail. The shared lanes on S. Commercial Street will be the first pilot project for a larger bikeway plan connecting cyclists across the community.
G18 Planned Public Engagement: We will continue to use social media and utility billing mailings. We will hold general public meetings and specific neighborhood meetings to make sure we meet the needs of the community. Neighborhood meetings will include mailing to individual addresses within the area. We will also have a meeting with the school district .
G19 Sustainable Places Criteria: Access to Healthy Foods---Active Transportation/Living-------Compact, Walkable Centers--- Complete Street Design--------------- ----Green Infrastructure----------- ------------Pedestrian-Oriented Public Realm--- --------Retail/Rooftop Relationships---Strong Suburban Downtown--- ----Tree Preservation-
G19.1 Describe PSP relationship: • The Farmers Market is held in Downtown Smithville throughout the Spring-Fall months. The pedestrian pathway improvements within this project will provide alternative access to these healthy foods. • Improved pedestrian and bicycle access to the communities recreation and exercise opportunities • The pedestrian and bicycle facilities will expand the transportation system beyond street networks, enhancing active transportation options. • Create a linked system of parks, trails and natural areas. • Support the community identity through active, prominent trail networks by connecting to the Main Street Trail. • Support commercial corridors and activity centers with close, accessible and diverse markets. • Allow better connections to and transitions between neighborhoods and activity centers or corridors. • Add choices to the type, size, and cost ranges for housing. • Provide housing with affordable transportation options.
G20 Implements Sustainable Places Initiatives? Yes
This project furthers development of the planning strategies discussed in the PSP Plan. The citizens of Smithville have crafted their vision for an integrated system of transportation, land use and environment.The citizens have identified S. Commercial as the main north/south pedestrian connector through the City. The pedestrian path will connect residents to major destination places within the City that offer a mix of options for jobs, services and recreation and support healthy living and a healthy natural environment. The pedestrian pathway will connect our community and natural areas, enhance our transportation networks and promote recreational systems. Integrating pedestrian and bicycle facilities into our development patterns make us more active and more engaged in our community. This project is needed to connect the southern destinations and residential areas to the downtown.
G21 Serves Regional Activity Center? Yes
Highest-Intensity and Most-Walkable Centers The project is within the Smithville identified activity center and connects two areas identified on the map. The new facilities, sidewalk and shared bike facilities will improve the vibrancy providing options for people to access services and recreation which do not currently exist. It will allow people to connect to the schools as well as to the different neighborhoods. The improvements connect two activity centers that other that by motor vehicle this access does not exist and therefore enhances both areas vibrancy.
G22 Environmental justice tracts? No
G23 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions? Yes
By completing this new, safe pedestrian path along through this critical corridor, residents will have the facilities available to them to consider alternative transportation modes. The project will promote residents walking, running and biking to downtown for shopping, dining, and community events. This project would provide students a safe route to walk or bike to school versus driving and being dropped off. The project will be a win and will support healthy alternatives, reducing the need for car trips and the associated emissions generated from those car trips. In summary, the project offers users an alternative to the motor vehicle reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Users will have a cost effective and SAFE way to travel without the use of a car. The project encourages safe and healthy habits and lifestyle
G24 Natural Resource information: At locations throughout the corridor, the City will look for opportunities to provide trees as the primary opportunity for stormwater management. As documented in various MARC environmental studies, leaf cover can absorb and transpire 30% of rainfall over an area. Specifically, closer to end nodes including the downtown and school district property, there will be more opportunities to plant new trees, reduce runoff, and provide shade to the pedestrians along the corridor. In addition, we will save as many trees along the route as possible and design around existing trees if there is sufficient R/W.
G25 Community Links at Watershaed Scale: Though a fairly simple project, this corridor and the idea of complete streets is very important to Smithville. As we continue to move toward the full build out of a complete street on S. Commercial Street, specifically related to green infrastructure, we will be able to improve natural resource conservation and stormwater filtration. This is just the first phase of development.
G26 Explain local land use or comprehensive plans: The project is included with the City’s Comprehensive plan, 2021 Capital Improvement Plan, and the City’s Strategic planning process. We are starting a Safe Routes to Schools plan and this project will be a high priority project. The city recently passed a parks and rec sales tax and this project will be identified as a connecting link to the Master Trail Plan, a part of the Parks and Rec Master plan. In 2021 the City has budgeted for a Transportation Master plan and will document a Complete Streets policy and a sidewalk connectivity plan which will include this project both for the sidewalk and shared bike facility.
 

Project Financial Information

STP Federal amount: 500000 
STP Match amount: 256000 
STP Year requested: --Select--
TAP Federal amount: 500000 
TAP Match amount: 256000 
TAP Year requested: --Select--
Source of Local Match: The City of Smithville has this project included in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2023 to be funded from the General fund
 
Explain:
 
Scope Change: The project is a sidewalk and bike sharrows. if partial funding was received
 
Cost by area:
Engineering: 60000
Equipment Purchase: 0
Right-of-Way: 20000
Other: 0
Utility Adjustment/Relocation: 50000
Program Implementation/Construction (including Construction Engineering/Inspection): 526000
Contingency: 100000
Total Estimated Project Cost: 756000
 
Cost Breakdown by mode:
Highway:   %
Transit:   %
Bike: 5  %
Pedestrian: 85  %
Other: 10  %

Supporting Documents

Submitted (Public) comments

Linda Drummond said...

I walk daily along Commercial Street. The existing sidewalk is narrow and has several areas where the sidewalk has significantly heaved and almost unpassable. While the City is making repairs, the proposed sidewalk will provide better connectivity from the school to and the downtown including several neighborhoods. This project is needed to allow a safe way for families that live in the area to get kids to school and community events downtown. It will also connect to the Smithville Trail that extends to Smithville lake.

9/29/2020 10:47:51 AM


Carol Noecker said...

As a representative of the business community as well as a parent, I believe this project is necessary for our children as well as our local economy. Connecting two of our most active areas will increase foot traffic to our downtown businesses as well as provide a safe footpath for our student population. As we look to the future of Smithville and increasing connectivity via trials, I see this as the first step in developing a more vibrant and successful downtown.

9/29/2020 11:11:54 AM


daniel m ulledahl said...

As a small business owner in the downtown this would be a great way to get more walkable area to and from the downtown area. Updating our sidewalks to make them smooth and easily walkable for everyone is very important. Currently the sidewalks are very narrow and I see several people walking daily that must step off to pass.

9/29/2020 11:39:20 AM


Damien Boley said...

Our citizen based strategic plan along with our updated comp plan express the communities deserve for a walkable community. We have a number of kids that walk to school and this road was originally a highway so it was built with little to no sidewalk access to the houses and apartments nearby.

9/29/2020 11:43:46 AM


Damien Boley said...

Our citizen based strategic plan along with our updated comp plan express the communities deserve for a walkable community. We have a number of kids that walk to school and this road was originally a highway so it was built with little to no sidewalk access to the houses and apartments nearby.

9/29/2020 12:19:54 PM


Damien Boley said...

Our citizen based strategic plan along with our updated comp plan express the communities deserve for a walkable community. We have a number of kids that walk to school and this road was originally a highway so it was built with little to no sidewalk access to the houses and apartments nearby.

9/29/2020 12:19:59 PM


Cynthia Wagner said...

Making our community more accessible for all users is a goal for the City. This project provides a safe area for kids to attend school, residents to get to their jobs and for families to access our downtown without driving a car. this project will also be accessible for those physically challenged. The bike lane will provide another option for cyclists to access our Smithville Trail that extends to Smithville Lake and the trails available at the Lake. This is a community supported project that we would appreciate your funding support

9/29/2020 1:34:26 PM


Shawn Tolivar said...

Love this project, Bicycling trails, and gravel routes are going to be bigger and bigger tourist draws and smaller towns such as Smithville are primed to be destinations and to profit from these trends, especially when there is a neighboring lake and other recreational areas,

9/29/2020 1:39:43 PM


Sarah Ulledahl said...

This is a much needed project. The vision for downtown Smithville is for it to be the pulse of the community, having connectivity to our neighborhoods and schools is vital. Commercial is a busy road and having a safe and continuous sidewalk connecting the school campus to downtown will do nothing but benefit our community. High School Cross Country and track run this road daily along with kids walking to and from school and work. It is our job as a community to make sure this can be done safely.

9/29/2020 2:24:35 PM


Jason Lockridge said...

The addition of a sidewalk and bike lane on Commercial Ave is greatly needed. This road connects the schools main campus to residential areas and the downtown district. Children, and adults, walk this route and use the road for bike travel on a daily basis. As the community continues to grow, so will the traffic. The additional safety this will provide is something the community supports. Smithville is making a move towards being a more bike friendly and walkable community.

9/29/2020 2:36:58 PM


Nickie Lee said...

Trails and connectivity continue to be a priority for the citizens of Smithville. This would create a needed connection point between neighborhoods, schools, the downtown area, and the lake. Many people walk along this street now and it is not a safe walkway.

9/29/2020 2:47:32 PM


Matthew Denton said...

Providing safe, accessible, and connected walkable areas is the goal for the City. This project provides an opportunity for kids, residents, and families to access downtown parks, businesses, and schools without the need for a car. This will also connect to our Main Street Trail that connects to Smithville lake and the 34 miles of trails around it.

9/29/2020 3:07:15 PM


Jim Pascoe said...

This is an excellent idea and will create multiple opportunities for increased tourism and alternative transportation. It links the city to the lake and fit in well with the wishes of the citizens as expressed in the visioning process.

9/29/2020 4:02:40 PM


Brittanie Propes said...

Sidewalks are an integral part of communities and should be prioritized as a central component to a people-oriented design. This proposed project of accessible sidewalks would improve mobility for all pedestrians and is particularly important for pedestrians with disabilities. I am in full support of this plan because it would provide a safe route for many pedestrians and cyclists, reduce vehicle traffic and emissions, and promote development.

10/6/2020 8:02:03 AM


Melissa Wilson said...

This project is sorely needed for our community. This street is a main corridor from downtown to the school campus and thus heavily utilized. The addition of upgraded sidewalks and access for bikes would provide much need safety for everyone. The community has expressed numerous times they desire Smithville to become a community that becomes connected by trails and sidewalks to access downtown, parks and other amenities. Thank you for your consideration.

10/6/2020 12:02:22 PM


John Chevalier said...

This project would do so much to help our most vulnerable in the community to be able to get around town easier. There are multiple lower income housing units that will utilize these updated amenities. It will also allow for safer walks to school for the kids. Please consider granting us this funding.

10/6/2020 5:27:26 PM


Kristal Jacobs said...

Our city desperately needs this. It is ridiculous the waivers parents have to sign because it is so unsafe for children to bike or walk to school without basic sidewalks.

10/9/2020 4:54:57 PM


Madison Davis said...

Great project, which also increases the amenities and the safety for all modes of transportation.

10/10/2020 8:21:37 AM


Christina Vaja Hibbs said...

I live near Commercial and see the number of kids and families that walk this route, I hope the sidewalks extend downtown. Since the sidewalks were added from the school to Hills of Shannon, family foot traffic and runners/joggers has increased significantly. Plus, I see kids from the high school (track or sports teams?) run this way now. Personally, our family would love to be able to walk downtown and feel safe (by having sidewalks). Please include crosswalk signs at any intersection or required street crossing to continue using the sidewalk (if the sidewalk must change from one side of the street to the other in order to continue due to access issues,etc). *Example: There is a section of sidewalk on Commercial close to Hills of Shannon where the sidewalk ends of the west side and continues on the east side of the street. Making crossing the street a requirement in order to continue using the sidewalk.

10/10/2020 8:13:43 PM


STARLA JANES said...

This project is so important for the continued growth of our downtown area. As a realtor in the community, this is yet one other amenity that will bring people to Smithville to live and to visit.

10/12/2020 12:03:38 PM


David Cooper said...

After seeing how beneficial the new sidewalk along Commercial street from the high school to the south is, I would really like to see a new sidewalk extending north to the downtown area. This new sidewalk is used by kids often as they now have a smooth and safe way to access the school without having to walk along the edge of the street. A new sidewalk would also be a huge benefit to senior citizens and those with disabilities who need safe accessibility to downtown without having to travel on the busy highway and streets.

10/12/2020 11:50:51 PM


Joshua E Hurlbert said...

This is an excellent project. This project provides both a safe route to school and allows pedestrian access down a major corridor in Smithville. Commercial street is also the route for most of the parades and runs in Smithville, which will alleviate congestion during these popular pre-COVID events.

10/14/2020 9:48:12 AM


Daniel Hartman said...

We are in desperate need of bike paths and trails. This project would me so much to the City of Smithville. Please consider this project for our great City. My wife and I along with our pet would enjoy the trails greatly.

10/14/2020 4:36:29 PM



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