The historic construction of the I-35 and I-670 highway interchange tragically divided the Westside neighborhood, displacing families and creating persistent physical, economic, and social barriers that continue to challenge community. The project leveraged funding from the Reconnecting Communities program, with a Planning & Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study that captures the aspirations of residents, businesses, and stakeholders to enhance transportation safety, reconnect neighborhoods, and reverse decades of environmental injustice. The design alternatives are rooted in tangible opportunities, ranging from improving highway crossings and integrated streetscape design to evaluating the feasibility of highway relocation or removal. This comprehensive planning study serves as a crucial tool for KCMO to secure implementation funding and spark momentum for long-term, community-driven revitalization.

©MCLV ©LDesign

LOCATION / Kansas City, MO

CLIENT / City of Kansas City, MO

DATE / 2024-Present

TEAM / WSP, HG Consult, Madison West

PRESS

“Community in Kansas City’s Westside seeks to heal decades-old highway division,” La’Nita Brooks. kshb.com. 13 December 2025.

“Remove or reroute I-35? Kansas City considers how to reconnect the Westside Neighborhood,” Celisa Calacal. kcur.org. 16 December 2025.