Districts Impacted
Project Updates
On May 11, crew, staff, city officials and citizens snipped ribbon to officially open the Route 50 and Route 291 Divergabout. Traffic models show that this newly designed interchange provides better traffic flow now and in the future. Less congestion and improved capacity reduces delays. Watch a timelapse of this project start to finish here: https://app.oxblue.com/open/modot/cams
Why is MoDOT doing this project?
The interchange, built in 1969, is near the end of its life and the bridge is due for replacement within the next several years. The interchange is highly congested and there are currently no pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. Surrounding land development is underutilized or undeveloped and is ripe for economic growth if we have adequate transportation infrastructure.
How will this project benefit me?
The Route 291 Interchange at US 50 is currently over capacity and requires significant maintenance, including bridge replacement. This project will ease congestion, enhance transportation safety and accommodate future growth.
The proposed interchange improvements include:
- reconstructing the Route 291 overpass bridges into a diverging diamond design.
- The intersection of Blue Parkway, the north outer road to US 50 Highway, and Jefferson Street will be reconstructed as a roundabout.
- Oldham Parkway will be realigned to the south and the existing traffic signal controlled intersection will be removed.
- There will be an auxiliary lane added on WB 50 connecting the Route 291 on-ramp to the 3rd Street off-ramp.
- See the concept here.
This project will also accommodate bikes and pedestrians. One of the busiest park facilities in the community with indoor and outdoor recreational amenities is located at the northeast corner of the interchange. The project will include off-street shared-use trails to enhance connectivity of pedestrians and cyclists.
Route 50 and Route 291 Divergabout
What is the project timeline?
Work began in May 2017 with Radmacher Bros. as the main contractor. Construction will be completed in two construction seasons by October 2018.
How is the project funded?
The current estimate is $16.02 million.
- City of Lee’s Summit - $8 million
- MARC STP - $6.8 million
- MoDOT - $1.22 million
Who do I contact for more information?
The project is supported by the City of Lee’s Summit, its school district, business associations, residents, Mid-America Regional Council and MoDOT’s Kansas City District. For updates follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Questions or comments? Call us 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).