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Leawood approves two RRFB pedestrian locations and selects consultants for Safe Streets plan
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Summary
Council approved establishing a RRFB crosswalk location at 81st & Lee Boulevard, authorized installation at 14600 Mission Road, and selected Burns & McDonnell and Kimberly Horn to develop a Safe Streets & Roads for All plan; staff estimated $55–65K for the 81st & Lee design and about $15K for the Mission Road install.
The Leawood City Council on Monday approved public-works recommendations to advance several pedestrian-safety projects and to begin work on a federally funded Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) plan.
Assistant Public Works Director Brian Scoville told the council that counts and site conditions show the intersection of 81st Street and Lee Boulevard met the city’s pedestrian threshold and that staff recommended establishing that location for a marked crosswalk with rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB). Scoville said final design remains to be completed but staff currently estimate construction costs in the range of $55,000 to $65,000 and will return with a contract when bids and hard costs are known.
Council also approved installing RRFB equipment at an existing crosswalk near 14600 Mission Road. Scoville said equipment for that location is largely already procured and estimated installation costs nearer $15,000.
Council members and the mayor used the discussion to push for public education about what the yellow flashing beacons mean for drivers and pedestrians. The mayor said drivers rarely appear to react to the flashing yellow and suggested additional signage and communications; Scoville agreed to work with the city communications director to provide guidance.
On the planning side, the council accepted the Public Works Committee’s recommendation to select Burns & McDonnell and Kimberly Horn to develop Leawood’s SS4A safety action plan and an updated Bike/Walk master plan. Scoville said the planning grant requires a plan as the deliverable and that the city hopes to finish the core safety elements in 12–18 months to position Leawood for implementation grants from the Federal Highway Administration.
Councilors noted the Mission Road request was prompted in part by Blue Valley Schools’ change to bus routes, which increased pedestrian traffic near Ironwoods Park. The council approved the location designation and installations by unanimous voice votes.
Staff will return with final designs, specific cost estimates and recommended construction contracts for council approval.
