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Public Works  >  Infrastructure (Capital) Projects  >  Ward Road Improvements

Ward Road Improvements Project

Northwest O'Brien Road to Northwest Blue Parkway

This project will improve Ward Road from Northwest O’Brien Road to Northwest Blue Parkway and includes roadway reconstruction to a two-lane section, one in each direction, with bicycle lanes and sidewalks along both sides. Other improvements include curb and gutter, enclosed storm drainage, intersection improvements, continuous street lighting, new waterline infrastructure and associated utility relocations.

Project Updates

  • Aug. 31, 2026: The contractor has completed Phase 1 and has nearly completed Phase 2a of the project. The contractor is currently working between Woodbine and O'Brien with the intersection of Ward and O'Brien closed for this phase. All traffic access to the elementary school is provided via Blue Parkway, Lincolnwood, and Woodbine. School is back in session and has full access to Ward Road. Anticipated re-opening of Ward from Woodbine to O'Brien by late October with project completion slated for November 2026. 
  • Aug. 11, 2026: The intersection of NW Ward and NW O’Brien roads is set to close on Monday, Aug. 24 , for approximately two months. Utilities conflicts continue to impact construction progress. The contractor is preparing for the Elementary School to open in mid-August.
  • July 23, 2026: The contractor has completed Phase 1 and Blue Parkway through the new roundabout opened on July 10. The contractor is working on Phase 2, concrete paving from Lincolnwood to Woodbine. The project is on schedule. 
  • June 3, 2026 (from City Portal e-newsletter): The roundabout at Ward and Blue Parkway is nearing completion and is expected to open on schedule by the end of June. Construction will continue along Ward in front of the school during the summer months in close coordination with LSR-7.
  • May 13, 2026: The project is underway with the closure of Ward and Blue Parkway intersection. Ward is closed to 1st Street. Access to the streets along Ward are possible via NW O'Brien Road. The contractor is installing water main, storm sewer and will start grading for a roundabout. 
  • April 13, 2026: The contractor is struggling with gas line utility interference. Relocation of the Spire gas line is going post haste.
  • March 9, 2026: The project is underway with the closure of Ward and Blue Parkway intersection. Ward is closed to First Street. Access to the streets along Ward Road are possible via NW O'Brien Road. The contractor is installing water main and will start grading for the roundabout. 
  • Feb. 13, 2026: Construction began and the Intersection of Northwest Ward Road and Northwest Blue Parkway closed, and will remain closed, until approximately the end of June. A section of Northwest Blue Parkway between Northwest Executive Way and Northwest Ward Road will also be closed. 
  • Feb. 12, 2026: A "meet the contractor" public meeting was held at City Hall.

 

The improvements include a total reconstruction of the existing streets. The existing street will be completely removed and a new rock base and concrete pavement will be constructed with a standup curb and gutter. The new street section will also include a five-foot bike lane in each direction. In addition, the street will have a four to five-foot parkway between the curb and a five-foot sidewalk on each side of the road with LED street lights on one side. A roundabout has been designed at the intersection of Blue Parkway and Ward Road to help improve the safety and function of the intersection. The existing storm sewer system will also be upgraded with new curb inlets and pipe to better convey stormwater runoff.  

This project will enhance safety and operations by improving the Ward Road corridor to include livable street components that will accommodate vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. The project supports the City’s Livable Streets Policy.

Design is complete. Plans were advertised for bids in Fall 2025, and the contract was awarded to VF Anderson Builders.

Utility relocations are ongoing. Roadway construction is estimated to begin in February 2026, and construction is expected to be complete by the fall of 2026.

There is a public meeting scheduled from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in the Strother Conference Room at Lee's Summit City Hall, 220 SE Green St., Lee's Summit, MO.

The project is funded by the City of Lee’s Summit’s Capital Improvements Program and the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. There is no special assessment of the property owners.

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