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Council approves $576,982 design contract for Merriam Drive improvements; residents voice opposition to three-lane plan
Summary
The council approved a design agreement with Olson Inc. for $576,982 to begin design on Merriam Drive improvements that include a mill-and-overlay, streetscape work and a recommended three-lane 'road diet' through parts of the corridor; some neighbors opposed reducing four lanes to three.
MERRIAM, Kan. — The Merriam City Council voted 8-0 to approve a $576,982 agreement with Olson Incorporated to design Merriam Drive improvements between 50th Street and 50th Terrace, a project that includes pavement work, sidewalks, a 10-foot shared-use path and stormwater upgrades.
City staff said the project, programmed for construction in 2027 and funded in part by federal grant dollars, will include a two-inch mill and overlay, replacement of curb, gutters and ADA ramps, streetscape improvements and a recommendation to reduce the pavement to a three-lane section through much of the corridor to create consistency and support multimodal features.
Director of Public Works (presenting) explained the planning sustainable places (PSP) study recommended the three-lane configuration based on traffic load and consistency across the corridor, and staff added a recommendation to remove one short on-street parking section near a church. “The recommendation for the three-lane section was based on the PSP, and what they do is they take a look at the traffic load,” the director said.
Before the vote, two members of the public urged the council to keep four lanes. Billy Kron, of 6633 West Street, warned against any “road diet,” saying, “All the neighbors I know like to drive. They’ve got their cars. They wanna keep their roads.” Another speaker said the reduction from four lanes to three would harm businesses along the corridor and urged Ward 2 council members to consult affected businesses from Sonic north to Antioch.
Council member Hans moved the contract approval; Council member Kuzmaier seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The approved contract covers design services and directs the consultant to proceed with 60% design updates and public meetings; staff told the council design updates will be provided throughout the design process. Staff also said Olson has federal project experience, which the city cited as important because the project receives federal grant funds and carries grant-related compliance requirements.
What’s next: design work will begin immediately with construction planned for 2027, and staff said they will return with design milestones and public engagement opportunities during the design phase.
