Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Kansas City Residents to Missouri DOT: Enough With the Highways Already

Usually when we hear news from a Streetsblog Network member about the Missouri Department of Transportation, it's because the agency is blocking ideas like a complete streets bill or a highway-to-boulevard conversion in downtown St. Louis. The advocates at BikeWalkKC report that now the agency is feeling some grassroots resistance to its cars-first approach:

The Missouri Department of Transportation's listening tour stopped in KC for three nights recently, and KC area residents were very clear in their preferences for the future of the state's transportation system. MoDOT was seeking input on how spend a possible new state-wide transportation sales tax. Citizens at all three KC sessions said loud and clear that MoDOT should use any new funding to improve transportation choices for Missourians.

Audiences expressed strong support for increasing state funding public transit, passenger rail, bicycling, and walking. And it wasn't just a desire for more choices. There was also a significant discussion about limiting highway construction. MoDOT often talks about how they have one of the largest state highway systems in the country, and participants wisely started questioning the need for new or expanded highways. More than one person used the phrase "no new lane miles."

It was very encouraging to hear such a strong public consensus that it was time for Missouri slow down highway building and start making meaningful investments in transit, rail, walking, and biking. Later this year MoDOT will released its list of projects that would be funded by a new sales tax, and we will see if they really listened.

Elsewhere on the Network today: Wonder why state DOTs have such a windshield perspective? Maybe part of the reason is that it's hard to get to most state DOT headquarters unless you drive, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign reports. James Rowen at the Political Environment says Wisconsin's dismal job creation record under Governor Scott Walker is no surprise given his rejection of federal rail construction funding. And Tucson Velo tracks the arrival of some new bike corrals.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

How To End Your City’s Fight Over Scooter Parking Once and For All

Micromobility riders need a good place to end their ride just like everyone else — and cities can accomplish several goals at once by giving them one.

May 14, 2025

Blue State AGs Sue Trump Over ‘Strong-Arm’ Tactic of Tying DOT Funds to Immigration Crackdown

The U.S. Department of Transportation is illegally threatening to withhold billions in transportation funding to states that don't "cooperate" with the administration's immigration crackdown, a new suit argues.

May 14, 2025

Let Wednesday’s Headlines Clear Our Throat

Congestion pricing is doing what its supporters promised it would do.

May 14, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Are Blocked In

Cities and regional governments could do a better job of spending federal transportation money than states, argues the Brookings Institute.

May 13, 2025

Check out Seattle’s New Subway!*

*...but only for stormwater runoff, not people. And considering that cars, trucks, roads and parking lots for cars are responsible for half of stormwater volumes — and contribute most to toxic runoff — why are households that don't even drive paying to keep other's waste from polluting sensitive waterways?

May 13, 2025
See all posts