The I-470/US 50/MO 350 Interchange is the only major freeway-to-freeway junction in the southeastern metropolitan area. Originally designed and built in the late 1970’s, this cloverleaf interchange was able to adequately serve Lee’s Summit’s limited suburban growth until the mid 1980’s.
Responding to the growing congestion problems at the interchange in the mid-to-late 1990’s, the City of Lee’s Summit conducted traffic impact studies. Data obtained from this study, combined with data provided by the US 50 Corridor Study, led both city and MoDOT officials to conclude that significant interchange modifications were needed.
Proposed Improvements
This project will improve traffic operations at the junction of I-470 and Routes US 50/MO 350. Ultimately, connector roads spanning US 50 and MO 350 will join the two half-diamond interchanges at Pryor Road and Blue Parkway on both sides of I-470, creating what is commonly referred to as a ‘Split-Diamond’ Interchange configuration.
The Missouri Department of Transportation and the city of Lee’s Summit held a ribbon cutting celebration for the completed Blue Parkway Half-Diamond Interchange in September.
Funding
A cost-share partnership was established between the City of Lee’s Summit and MoDOT in 2004 to implement design and construction of the agreed-upon improvements. The estimated $48 million project will be paid for by three sources: the establishment of a Transportation Development District by the developer; the establishment of a Tax Increment Financing District by the City of Lee’s Summit; and MoDOT.
The first phase of the project was let for construction in June 2007. Phase II is currently in construction and is expected to be complete by June 2010.
Comments
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