LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — A busy T-intersection in Lee’s Summit is set for a major transformation as construction begins Feb. 13 on a new roundabout at SW Ward Road and SW Blue Parkway.
The intersection, located near several neighborhoods and an elementary school, will be fully closed during construction. City officials say the closure is expected to last until June as crews reshape the roadway into a circular traffic pattern designed to improve safety and traffic flow.
The project is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade that includes pedestrian walkways, bike lanes and connectivity improvements throughout the corridor.
For some neighbors, the change brings uncertainty.
"I have mixed thoughts, I think it can help on some aspects," Peggy Martin said. "Honestly, I avoid roundabouts at all costs, and now they're in my front yard."
Martin has lived in the neighborhood for 50 years — raising her children there and planning to remain in the home long term.
"It was a great street to raise a family on," Martin said.
Because her home sits on the corner of the intersection, Martin expressed concern about access during construction.
"Are you going to keep our road open at all times? Because we're right on the corner. And we have to be able to get in and out," Martin said.
City leaders say access will remain intact.
"Just like all the property owners will have access, so will their service providers. Whether it be trash services or delivery services," Public Works Director Michael Park said.
Park added that emergency responders and law enforcement are included in the planning process to ensure safety during construction.
With an elementary school nearby, school bus traffic is a major factor in the redesign. Several buses currently use the intersection daily, prompting questions from residents about how they will navigate the circular pattern.
"I want to see all those buses get through that roundabout, that's for sure," Martin said.
Park confirmed the city has worked directly with the school district during the design phase.
"Yes the roundabout will be large enough to accommodate school buses. The school district has been in close coordination with us during the design process," Park said.
City officials say roundabouts are engineered to reduce severe crashes by lowering vehicle speeds and eliminating head-on and high-speed right-angle collisions, which are more common at traditional intersections.
The Ward Road project is part of a wider transportation strategy in Lee’s Summit. According to Park, the city has already installed approximately two dozen roundabouts in recent years.
"I feel like roundabouts have helped out a little bit in Lee's Summit," Haylee Martin said.
Still, she acknowledges that driver behavior remains a concern.
"Not necessarily worried about my driving, worried about other people's driving," Haylee Martin said.
Traffic engineers say public education is key when introducing new roundabouts, particularly in high-traffic residential areas. The city plans to provide updates and signage throughout construction to help drivers adjust once the roundabout opens.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $5 million.
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City officials will host a public meeting on February 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall to discuss Phase 2 of the improvement project. Residents will have the opportunity to meet contractors, review design plans and ask questions before major work begins.
Construction is expected to continue through June, weather permitting.
Officials say once completed, the intersection will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists while modernizing a key roadway in one of the city’s growing residential areas.
Originally reported by Braden Bates in KSHB.
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