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G1. TIP Number: |
628142
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G2. State: |
Missouri
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G3. Multiple agencies / jurisdictions?
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No
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G4 Project contact: |
Mike Winckler, City Engineer 816-325-7619 MWinckler@IndepMO.org
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G5 Purpose and need:
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The project improves multi-modal travel options on a minor arterial in western Independence. Sterling Avenue would be revamped into a three-lane street with a center turn lane, improving safety for all transportation users. Removing the extra lane of traffic provides dedicated on-street bike lanes. The project will fill in gaps, providing a complete network of sidewalks for pedestrian and mobility aid users. Additionally, all transit stops needing improvement will be enhanced. This project improves all forms of transportation along 2.6 miles of Sterling Avenue in western Independence, continuing the Truman Connected Phase 1 project (construction 2023) from Truman Library to Winner at Sterling. This full palate of transportation choices will ensure residents are well connected to jobs, schools and retail which is a Planning Sustainable Places goal in Connected KC 2050. Complete and green streets advance the goals of increased public health and environmental benefits.
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G6. Origin and ending
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Route:
From:
To:
Length (Miles):
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Sterling Avenue
Winner Road
US 40 Highway
2.6
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G7 Functional Classification:
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Minor Arterial
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G8 Connected KC 2050 Decade?
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2020
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G9 Muli-Agency Plan?
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Yes
This second phase of Truman Connected (a PSP project) will tie into the first phase along the north side of the US 40 Highway Complete Streets improvements, which is a MetroGreen route. The project makes improvements to multiple types of travel on a connected street network that has direct access to several activity centers, including those along US 40 Highway, Sterling at 23rd Street and Englewood Arts and Entertainment District (Sterling at Winner Road). It also will link to the existing Rock Creek Greenway, a 1.46 mile trail that intersects with Sterling just south of 25th Street.
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G10 Included in a CIP?
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Yes
Truman Connected is included in the 2020-2026 CIP for the City and ties into the first phase of the US 40 Highway Complete Streets Improvements (2018-2024 CIP). The Sterling Avenue Complete Streets traffic study has been funded and completed by the City.
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G11 Planning stage:
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Conceptual Plan
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G12 Reviewed by state DOT?
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No
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G13 Right-of-Way acquisition: |
All acquired or none needed
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G14 ROW by local public agency process manual?
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Yes
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G15 Other unique local goals and objectives?
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Yes
The project addresses the goal of the Independence City Council to achieve livability, choice, access, health, and safety via a quality-built environment. The project improves multi-modal travel along a street system connecting important destinations which includes the US 40 Highway commercial corridor, the Englewood Arts and Entertainment District, and (via Truman Connected Phase 1) to the Independence Square, Truman Library, and US 24 Highway commercial corridor. The Sterling improvements change a four-lane street into a three-lane street, including a center turn lane, bike lanes and separate pedestrian facilities. Since Sterling has a high number of accidents, the improvements will increase safety. The project will connect to a larger transportation system at US 40 Highway, supporting the US 40 Highway Corridor and Focus Area Plan. Improvements along Sterling will also tie into the existing Rock Creek Trail which links into Rotary Park and Hill Park.
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G16 Transportation Disadvantaged Population:
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The second phase of the Truman Connected improves travel options for transportation disadvantaged populations. According to the US Census, the population of the 5 census tracts abutting the project averages approximately 2.6% are without a car, 11.6% live below poverty level, 27% are minority and 15.3% are over the age of 65. Improved sidewalks for pedestrians along with on-street bicycle facilities expand transportation options for zero car households and increase connectivity for disadvantaged populations located within the project limits. Pedestrian crossing improvements will also be made at signalized intersections. Improved access to public transit along the route will make the City well-connected and lead to more opportunities for residents. Safety of the travel system will be enhanced for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists and will also provide travel connections to important destinations linking people to jobs, schools, shopping, entertainment and more.
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G17 Relevant Public Engagement:
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This project is included in the original Truman Connected PSP from April 2020. During the study, feedback was gathered at two public meetings. One meeting was held at the Englewood Arts and Entertainment District and the other at the Uptown Market located on the Independence Square. Additionally, an online survey was conducted to further gather feedback from event attendees and citizens unable to attend the in-person events. The need for and desired outcomes of the project have been discussed with business owners. Residents have expressed current safety concerns along with high accident rates along Sterling. The project will make diverse forms of travel safer. The project has been presented to the Independence City Council and support has been given to pursue funding.
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G18 Planned Public Engagement:
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Project information will be provided via the Citys website and in the monthly newsletter to residents. The public will be invited to provide input during the project development. If selected for funding, the LPA process will be followed including public hearings to meet with the citizens in order to provide information, display plans with details at various properties, answer questions, and take comments.
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G19 Sustainable Places Criteria:
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Access to Healthy Foods---Active Transportation/Living---Age in Place---Compact, Walkable Centers---
Complete Street Design---Connected Street Network---Context Appropriate Streets-------
----Green Infrastructure-------Integrated Trail System---
----Natural Resources Protection-------Pedestrian-Oriented Public Realm---
----Repair Strip Corridors-----------
Transit-Ready Corridors---Tree Preservation-
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G19.1 Describe PSP relationship:
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The bicycle, pedestrian and transit improvements enhance active transportation, facilitate access to two existing grocery stores and provide opportunities for aging in place. Pedestrian improvements enhance walkable access to the activity centers along the route. This is a complete streets project that improves travel using multi-modal options creating context appropriate streetscapes and transit ready corridors. There will be a connection to the first phase of the US 40 Highway Complete Streets, a MetroGreen route. The project will also have a connection to the existing Rock Creek Trail on Sterling Avenue. There are commercial development strips along US 40 Highway, Sterling, and Winner Road, that will have improved access as a result of the project. Preserving existing trees and planting new ones as appropriate protects natural resources and improves air and water quality throughout the project.
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G20 Implements Sustainable Places Initiatives?
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Yes
The Truman Connected and the Englewood Arts District Circulation Plan are both identified PSP projects. Truman Connected Phase 2 promotes a sustainable community and advances active transportation, aging in place, walkable centers, complete streets, connected street network, transit ready corridors, integrated trail system, context appropriate streets, repaired strip corridors and a pedestrian-oriented public realm. The complete street improvements along Sterling Avenue and connection to the Rock Creek Trail promote the CSP principles of equity, environment, economy and sustainable places via transportation choices, design for healthy lifestyles and preservation of unique characteristics of the community.
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G21 Serves Regional Activity Center?
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Yes
High-Intensity and More_Walkable Centers
This phase of the project improves accessibility for multiple types of transportation to several activity centers. The activity centers are located along US 40 Highway, Sterling Avenue at 23rd Street, and the Englewood Arts and Entertainment District at Winner Road and Sterling. The second phase of the Truman Connected project will provide multi-modal improvements along a street system that connects each of these centers.
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G22 Environmental justice tracts?
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Yes
The project will improve access to and from environmental justice tracts. The entire second phase of the Truman Connected project is located within several environmental justice tracts. The only exception is a portion of Sterling Avenue between 23rd Street and Sheley Road. Sidewalks, on-street bicycle facilities and improved access to transit would be provided to zero-vehicle households along with low income households, the disabled, minorities, veterans, and older adults. The project abuts grocery stores, businesses, churches, residences, trails, and an arts and entertainment district.
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G23 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions?
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Yes
The project would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of carbon based fuels by providing more transportation options. Facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders, would be improved. The addition of a complete sidewalk system and dedicated, on-street bike lanes will shift users to active transportation and provide safer access to existing transit resulting in a reduction of personal vehicle usage. Multi-modal transportation options provide an improvement in air quality. This phase would remove barriers to mobility and give pedestrians and bicyclists safer ways to travel. The greenhouse gas emission reduction supports the public health goals of Connected KC 2050.
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G24 Natural Resource information:
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The Truman Connected project improves conditions for an existing roadway within existing street right of way. Minimal natural resource impacts are expected. A tree survey will be completed in order to preserve as many existing trees as possible for air and water quality improvement. Bicycle facilities will be incorporated on existing pavement or shoulders in order to decrease the amount of impervious surface installed on the project. The sidewalk will be installed and a buffer between the curb and sidewalk will be used as space and/or topography allows. New street trees will be planted behind the sidewalk where appropriate.
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G25 Community Links at Watershaed Scale:
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The project is located within the Round Grove and Rock Creek watersheds. There will be a connection to the existing Rock Creek Trail to the south of 25th Street. Street trees would be planted along the corridor as a restoration measure. The trees will interact with the hydrologic cycle by intercepting incoming precipitation and removing water from soil through transpiration which in turn enhances infiltration and the performance of green infrastructure. The management of stormwater protects human health and environmental quality. Phases of the project will be designed and built in accordance with low impact design initiatives to minimize impacts to the existing storm sewers and respective area watersheds. The only new pavement areas that are expected are where missing sidewalk sections will be completed or where extensive repairs are needed.
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G26 Explain local land use or comprehensive plans:
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The street being improved is on the City of Independence thoroughfare plan. The improvements would follow the recommendations set forth in that plan. The project also complies with the plan for the Englewood Arts District. The project would also comply with the Independence Complete Streets policy.
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