Summary of Gillham Road Bikeways - Armour to 39th Street

Kansas City, MO

Contact Information

Organization: Kansas City, MO
Contact person: Mario Vasquez
Title: Project Manager
Phone: (816) 513-6984
E-mail: mario.vasquez@kcmo.org
Organization address: 4721 Coal Mine Road
  Kansas City, MO    64130


Pre-Application Information

PA Project title/name: Gillham Road Bikeways - Armour to 39th Street
PA Agency type: City
PA Agency Name: Kansas City, MO
PA Primary project mode: Bike/Pedestrian
PA Secondary project mode: Pedestrian
PA Project type: Non-Motorized Transportation - Facilities and SRTS Infrastructure
PA Project description: This project consists of design of bike facilities along Gillham Road between Armour Boulevard and 39th Streets. The project will implement the recommendations of the Gillham Corridor Bike Connections Plan that was funded by the Planning for Sustainable Places program. The City has installed bike facilities along Armour Boulevard and is in the process of installing bike facilities along Gillham Road between Armour and 31st and also between 39th Street and Brush Creek Boulevard. This project will serve to fill a gap between Armour and 39th Streets. A key element of this proejct is to evaluate the intersections at Armour and at 39th Street to improve safety of pedestrians and bicyclists alike.
PA Connected KC 2050 Project Number: Yes
PA Connected KC 2050 underlying strategies selected
PA Strategies Description: AIR QUALITY — This project consists of the design of bike facilities which will aid in the reduction of ozone-forming and particulate emissions by reducing reliance on the automobile. COMPLETE AND GREEN STREETS — This project will redesign an existing street to be safer and more convenient for bicyclists and motorists. EQUITABLE INVESTMENT — This project promotes an alternative mode of transportation that is economical and mitigates the negative economic impacts of our prevailing transportation system. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE — This project will transform an existing street into a complete street which is an example of green infrastructure. MOBILITY INNOVATIONS — This project consists of the design of an innovative type of bike facility. MORE MODE CHOICES — This project will design a facility which once installed will increase mode choices. SAFETY -This project is proposing to design a facilities, such as cycletracks or protected bike lanes. These are the safest types of facilities. TRAILS AND BIKEWAYS — This project will provide design of a bikeway that is currently identified in MARC’s Regional Bikeway Plan.
PA Complete Streets Description: The project proposes to transform this corridor to a multi-modal corridor by incorporating bike facilities along a densely populated neighborhood adjacent to parks and other destinations. The project proposes to modify the existing travel lanes and incorporate a separated bike facilities as recommended by the Gillham PSP study. Due to the complexities associated with the design and implementation of separated bike facilities, this project will include the design of any traffic signals, lane re-alignment, selective widening, and other necessary modifications needed to implement the project.
PA Safety: This project addresses the needs of Special Users, specifically non-motorized individuals, who are listed as an area of emphasis in the Regional Safety Blueprint.
PA Air Quality: A strategy in the Clear Air Action Plan is to promote bike friendly options. This project will do that by designing a state of the art bike facility through the heart of Kansas Citys midtown neighborhoods. Another strategy is to promote transportation connectivity and public engagement. This project will connect to existing bike on Gillham Road and Armour Boulevard. The project is located along the Hyde Park neighborhood which is home to an engaged and active citizenry.
PA Conservation: This project is located within the Brush Creek Watershed. The City of Kansas City has prepared a detailed Green Stormwater Infrastructure Opportunities study which identifies a variety of improvements along Gillham Park. These projects are administered through the Smart Sewer program. The Gillham Road Bikeways project will coordinate design with the Smart Sewer program to ensure that we can consistently promote the conservation and restoration of the Brush Creek watershed.
PA Environment: The project proposes to design bike facilities which will allow the city to pursue a Bicycle Friendly Community designation. This is an stated action item of the Climate Action Playbook published by MARC.
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: The intent of this project is to continue with the installation of protected bike facilities which provide exclusive use of the right-of-way to bicycles, scooters, and other low speed and/or non-motorized transportation modes. We will accomplish this by designating a bike lane for a separated bike lane. The long term goal is to increase ridership and usage of these facilities and this project will do so by providing infrastructure that encourages modal shifts for residents. This can be documented by collecting data on existing usage and comparing with data collected post-construction.
PA SOV Capacity: This project is not proposing to add capacity. This project is proposing to take advantage of existing excess roadway capacity.
PA Pre-application Statement: No changes made
PA Pre-application Statement Text:
PA Pre-Application Staff Alignment:
PA Pre-Aplication Policy Concerns:

General Information

G1. TIP Number:
G2. State: Missouri
G3. Multiple agencies / jurisdictions? No
G4 Project contact: Mario Vasquez, AICP Project Manager Public Works Department 4721 Coal Mine Road Kansas City, MO 64130 816-513-6984
G5 Purpose and need: This project will assist in the design of bike facilities along Gillham Road between Armour Boulevard and 39th Streets. The City of Kansas City completed the installation of a two-way cycle track along Gillham Road between 39th Street and Brush Creek Boulevard and between Armour Boulevard and Linwood Boulevard. The intent of these projects was to create a connection between Midtown and the Plaza. This project would help in eliminating the gap that exists between Armour Boulevard and 39th Streets. This section of Gillham Road is more complex, with higher density land uses, nearby parks, and other constraints that require careful design and public involvement. The Gillham PSP study provided some recommendations for this section of the corridor. It is the intent of this project to develop detailed construction drawings that can resolve some of the lingering concerns with regard to the design of this bike facility.
 
G6. Origin and ending
  Route:
  From:
  To:
  Length (Miles):
Gillham Road
Armour Boulevard
39th Street
0.60000
G7 Functional Classification: Minor Arterial
G8 Connected KC 2050 Decade? 2030
G9 Muli-Agency Plan? No
G10 Included in a CIP? Yes
In Fiscal Year 2020, the City of Kansas City allocated funds from its Capital Improvement Program to install a two-way cycletrack between 31st and Armour. Additional funds were allocated in FY 2021 to install a two way cycletrack between 39th Street and Brush Creek. The matching funds for this grant have been pledged by the City in order to continue the installation of this project.
G11 Planning stage: Conceptual Plan
G12 Reviewed by state DOT? Yes
G13 Right-of-Way acquisition: All acquired or none needed
G14 ROW by local public agency process manual? Yes
G15 Other unique local goals and objectives? No
This project advances several of the goals and objectives of the Connected KC 2050. This is an equitable investment in our transportation system that promotes healthy living and active living. This project also promotes efficiency in the use of our existing assets. Through planning efforts we have discovered excess capacity within our street network. Through this project, we will attempt to maximize the value of our capital assets and provide facilities that serve users of all types.
G16 Transportation Disadvantaged Population: This project will benefit transportation disadvantaged populations. Over 19% of people residing in the census tract in which this project is located are likely to use transit, walk, or ride a bicycle to commute to work compared to 6% of residents of Kansas City. And whereas households in Kansas City have access to an average of 1.5 cars, households in these neighborhoods, on average, have access to 0.98 cars, meaning that not every household has a car. The project area is certainly a population that is more dependent on other modes of transportation besides the automobile. This project runs through a densely populated area. Nearly 80% of the housing units are multifamily units within this census tract which also identified as an environmental justice tract. By completing the gap between the existing installations, this project will provide facilities to residents that are typically more dependent on alternative modes of transportation.
G17 Relevant Public Engagement: This project emerged from the Gillham Road PSP Study that was completed in 2018. Through that effort the City held numerous meetings with neighborhoods to discuss potential improvements along Gillham Road. The City engaged an Advisory Committee of residents, property owners, and business owners. Working through this committee, the City then reached out to the broader neighborhoods to identify priorities through a survey and other data collection tools. Following the analysis of the data and survey results, the City presented a variety of options and choices to the Advisory Committee and general citizenry. Recommendations were made based on preferences expressed by participants.
G18 Planned Public Engagement: The City has implemented a cycletrack in portions of the Gillham corridor. Aside from holding meetings and virtual discussions, the City has distributed door hangers and other materials to all affected houselholds. As we contemplate design of this project, we anticipate public engagement will be a significant portion of the project. Based on comments received to date, the Gillham Road cycletrack has received positive support. The number of positive comments received outpace the number of negative comments on a ratio of 5 to 1. As we move forward with this project, our approach will have to be very data-driven to quantify the perceived positive and negative impacts of implementing cycletracks. We will collect and distribute statistics showing crash rates, bike counts, traffic counts, changes in prevailing speed, and surveys from all users of the corridor. We will need to hold design workshops so that all residents and users can relate their experiences with facilities that are currently installed so that we can learn from those design elements that work well and those that do not. We expect this will be a hands-on community design effort.
G19 Sustainable Places Criteria: ----Active Transportation/Living-------Compact, Walkable Centers--- Complete Street Design---Connected Street Network---Context Appropriate Streets------- ---------------- Mixed-Density Neighborhoods---Natural Resources Protection---Optimize Parking---Pedestrian-Oriented Public Realm--- Renewable Energy-------Retail/Rooftop Relationships------- ------
G19.1 Describe PSP relationship: This project provides on-street connections that support street activity through a well-designed complete street that serves all users. The Gillham Corridor is of a residential mixed use nature so it is important that the project be designed to fit the context while at the same time addressing scale, parking, traffic volumes, and speed within the corridor. We expect the project will enhance connectivity between residential and commercial areas through alternative modes of transportation
G20 Implements Sustainable Places Initiatives? Yes
This project implements a recommendation of the Gillham Corridor Bike Connections PSP plan. The intent of this project is to retrofit existing infrastructure to advance the goal of providing separated bike facilities along the Gillham corridor as recommended by the plan.
G21 Serves Regional Activity Center? Yes
High-Intensity and More_Walkable Centers The objective of the Gillham cycletrack project is to create a multimodal north-south corridor that connects Midtown Kansas City to the Plaza/UMKC area. The City has made an investment with local resources to initiate this project by installing segments of the cycletrack between 31st Street and Armour and between 39th Street and Brush Creek. By filling the gap that exists between Armour and 39th Streets we will be able to create a safe corridor that provides access from Midtown to UMKC and Rockhurst Universities, the Stowers Institute, and the Country Club Plaza.
G22 Environmental justice tracts? Yes
This project is located within an environmental justice tract. The project connects to bike facilities that are within other environmental justice tracts. Because the project connects to a broader network of facilities, the project will improve access and connectivity to environmental justice tracts.
G23 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions? Yes
The completion of the Gillham Road cycletrack will aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The European Cyclist Federation conducted research and has calculated that for every kilometer traveled, a car rider emits 271 grams of CO2 while a bicyclists emits 16 grams of CO2 (mostly as part of the production of food for the bicyclist). If those findings were to hold true for this corridor (which is about a kilometer in length) we should expect to see a 94% reduction in CO2 emissions for every user that shifts his transportation mode from car to a bicycle.
G24 Natural Resource information: The project is located in an area identified as having high ecological value per mapping information provided by the Mid America Regional Council. The corridor is also identified as a high priority for resource conservation and restoration. Given the limited scope of the project, we believe this project will positively contribute to the conservation of natural resources as it proposes to have limited or no impact on existing features of high ecological value. As the project evolves through the design phase, we will explore ways of enhancing existing natural resources through tree planting and reconfiguration and/or removal of existing paved areas.
G25 Community Links at Watershaed Scale: This project is located in the Brush Creek watershed which is a tributary to the Blue River. The project does not propose any increases to the amount of impervious surfaces currently in place. Small reductions in impervious surfaces are possible to improve safety at intersections. Any impervious areas eliminated will be replaced with grass medians or islands which will improve carbon storage capacity. The project can be combined with efforts to restore the city’s tree canopy. Considering the dense and urbanized nature of the area, these small changes would constitute mitigation efforts rather than restorative efforts. In any case, these all represent efforts that lead to the conservation of resources.
G26 Explain local land use or comprehensive plans: This project is supported by the Citys FOCUS Plan, which is the Kansas Citys comprehensive plan of record. The FOCUS Comprehensive Plan is supplemented by a series of area plans. This area plan for this part of the City is the Midtown Plaza Area Plan which also supports the objectives of this project. Lastly, this project implements the the Gillham Corridor PSP Study.
 

Project Financial Information

CMAQ Federal amount 100000 
CMAQ Match amount: 35000 
CMAQ Year requested: 2023
Source of Local Match: Local funds will be provided through the Citys Capital Improvement Program.
 
Explain:
 
Scope Change: The project can be split into parts. Design will require pavement marking and signage plans as well as signal modification plans. If not enough funds are provided, we can tailor the project to provide only signal modification plans.
 
Cost by area:
Engineering: 135000
Equipment Purchase: 0
Right-of-Way: 0
Other: 0
Utility Adjustment/Relocation: 0
Program Implementation/Construction (including Construction Engineering/Inspection): 0
Contingency: 0
Total Estimated Project Cost: 135000
 
Cost Breakdown by mode:
Highway:   %
Transit:   %
Bike: 80  %
Pedestrian: 20  %
Other:   %

Supporting Documents

Submitted (Public) comments

Shannon Jaax said...

The Gillham cycle track is the type of bike infrastructure we need. Since the initial sections have been built, I have increased my onstreet biking as I feel so much safer. I’ve also seen families using the facility with small children. The gap that exists between 39th/Armour is a major safety hazard and impediment. Funding for this gap is greatly needed.

9/23/2020 6:13:31 PM


Shannon Jaax said...

The Gillham cycle track is the type of bike infrastructure we need. Since the initial sections have been built, I have increased my onstreet biking as I feel so much safer. I’ve also seen families using the facility with small children. The gap that exists between 39th/Armour is a major safety hazard and impediment. Funding for this gap is greatly needed.

9/23/2020 6:13:31 PM


Timothy Zook said...

With the protected cycle track that has already been put in, the amount of people biking on Gillham had increased dramatically, even with an incomplete line. Finishing the line and connecting it to Grand Boulevard will result in an amazing north south spine of protected bikeway.

9/23/2020 6:13:41 PM


Ben Snider said...

Having walked and driven often on this street, I feel much safer in my car and my bike along protected bike lanes. We desperately need more in KC

9/23/2020 7:15:56 PM


Arthur fort said...

This is a much needed improvement and will contribute to the safety and livelihood of residents in this area

9/23/2020 8:26:40 PM


Bradley Farris said...

Would bike to work downtown much more regularly if there was a protected bike lane on Gillham

9/23/2020 9:08:02 PM


Tristin Hogan said...

Living across from the Gillham cycle track has been fantastic. I’ve seen a huge influx of people of all age groups using the new protected lanes. I’ve personally increased my biking because of this lane, but it desperately needs completion to make the existing stretches safer.

9/23/2020 9:58:08 PM


Ryan Mott said...

Please approve funding to complete the Gillham cycle track. The existing segments are already seeing high use. Connecting them will make an incredible impact on the neighborhood and allow cyclists of all abilities to enjoy pollution-free mobility.

9/23/2020 10:20:36 PM


Stephanie Mason said...

Any and all expansions to the bike lanes are welcomed and needed. Making the city safer and encouraging healthy living should be a goal for all. I recommend funding for this project.

9/23/2020 10:49:39 PM


Zachary Brown said...

Even though the 39th to Brush Creek bike lanes have only been installed for a month or so, I have ridden dozens of times on them. Coming from the Crossroads, however, there are still a few gaps getting from 20th Street the whole way to Brush Creek. Im looking forward to the entire Gillham PSP study being implemented, but as far as the most dangerous gap right now, this connection is it. Cars fly on Gillham between Armour and 39th, and crossing the intersection at 39th and Gillham is definitely the most stressful part of my trips. Providing safe transportation for cyclists from downtown to the Plaza would definitely drive up my activity in that corridor - I support this 110%!

9/24/2020 5:47:54 PM


Tom Gerend said...

Finish what’s been started. The Gillham cycle track has been an amazing transformation and completion of the corridor will greatly increase the utility of the entire corridor. Let’s get it done.

9/24/2020 8:56:19 PM


Zach Porting said...

The integration of safe bike ways has encouraged more people to travel by bike. This development could be the positive feedback loop we need to prove the value of alternative, healthy transportation and recreation in this community and establish greater buy in for continued development.

9/24/2020 9:14:35 PM


Jordan Hunt said...

LOVE

9/25/2020 12:59:00 PM


Jamie Schwendinger said...

I am very excited about completing the bicycle lane that currently runs down Gilham and wholeheartedly support this project. Since the track was finished between 39th and Brush Creek, I have delighted in using it with my children, and appreciate the safety and additional buffer from traffic that the design gives us. Connecting the 2 existing corridors would give me more incentive and opportunity to ride my bike instead of drive, and I look forward to using it!

9/25/2020 1:57:43 PM


Carl Schreck said...

The Gillham Ave bike track from 39th to Brush Creek Blvd has been a great addition to Gillham Park. Since its completion, we have been regularly bicycling along the path with our three year old and feel much safer while walking along the adjacent sidewalk. Once the next phase is complete, I look forward to bicycling to work along the entire path from Gillham Park to Hospital Hill!

9/25/2020 2:01:10 PM


Jacob Lowe said...

This is a great project that is highly worthy of funding! Filling this gap will make our community safer, more attractive, and sustainable. As well, the return on investment for this project is much higher than the amount requested!

9/27/2020 4:05:51 PM


James Rice said...

The two completed portions of the Gillham cycletrack are very welcome additions to Midtown. Completing this segment will make this one of the best bike corridors in the metro! I look forward to the safety and mobility enhancements this project will bring.

9/29/2020 12:35:12 PM


Ross Harness said...

Please complete this cycle track. I live west Plaza and when riding downtown will make the effort to get to Gillham to ride this great track. The gap in the middle makes for unnecessary hazards for both riders and drivers. Also, Id like to see signage or PSA regarding out to appropriately and safely join the track while riding south. Finally, this track needs to be connected to the Grand street bike lanes, either by extending down Pershing, or using Gillham next to Childrens then cutting west at 22nd to connect with Grand. PS. Grand needs repainted.

10/9/2020 1:06:48 PM



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