Mayor: Rainbow Boulevard plan needs demonstration zone; funding discussions underway

Mayor Erica Hartley updated the council on the Reimagine Rainbow Boulevard project, saying she had been told by KDOT that stakeholders must submit a formal letter describing what they want done even though traffic studies exist. She said KU reviewer Mr. Glasrud and other stakeholders signed off on a drafted letter but as of the meeting date had not received a KDOT response.

Hartley described preliminary safety recommendations for the Rainbow/Shawnee Mission Parkway intersection, including more signage, paint, and narrowing turning radii to slow drivers; the recommended demonstration zone runs from 47th to Shawnee Mission Parkway and is considered the least disruptive option. She said she spoke with Congresswoman Sharisse Davids about funding opportunities and noted the federal funding cycle opens in January, but stressed the project will require approved design and budget before she can apply.