Foxridge Drive Project Awarded ACEC of Kansas – City Public Improvement Award
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas selected the Foxridge Drive project for its City Public Improvement Award. The GBA-designed project rehabilitated Foxridge Drive from 51st to 56th Street in Mission, Kansas. The success of the project, submitted in the 5,000 to 19,999 population category, was a joint effort between GBA’s Transportation Group, the City of Mission and Kansas Heavy Construction. ACEC’s Public Improvement Awards recognize projects that benefit and enhance communities.
The Foxridge Dr. corridor is densely populated with apartments surrounding the area, but safe options for pedestrian access to a nearby commercial district were limited. In 2016, the City of Mission selected GBA to design a solution. Safety is crucial to any roadway, especially when pedestrian traffic is a factor. GBA’s solution included traffic calming elements and improved pedestrian access along the corridor by narrowing the street width and reallocating a portion of the typical section for the addition of a safe sidewalk. GBA’s design also added streetlights for enhanced safety and updated the roadway’s neglected infrastructure.
“Given the majority of the demographic in this area is multi-family residential, going from dirt trails adjacent to the street to sidewalk connectivity throughout is a night-and-day difference,” said John Belger, former City of Mission public works director.
GBA also provided a necessary and cost-saving solution by rehabilitating a 72” pipe in disrepair with a Snap-Tite pipe lining, which alleviated the need for repairs to the headwalls and street above the pipe, saving thousands of dollars. This project included milling and overlaying the pavement and replacement of driveway approaches, storm sewer and curbs.
“In addition to improving the aesthetics and infrastructure of the corridor, this rehabilitation also provides a safe and accessible route that greatly improves the lives of pedestrians living along this section of Foxridge Dr.,” said Bryan Blizzard, GBA project supervisor.
These developments not only impact pedestrians, but also businesses residing along the corridor. Special Olympics Kansas hosts leadership, advocacy and health training classes at its Foxridge Drive location. The enhancements along the road have improved access to the organization by athletes who participate in activities, many of whom have limited mobility options. Special Olympics plans on continuing to work with the city to fully implement active transportation modes that are now seen along Foxridge Dr.
Moving forward, the result of changes made to Foxridge Dr. is a roadway that provides connectivity between the corridor’s growing population and surrounding areas of Mission.