Lee’s Summit to Celebrate Colbern Road Improvements Project with Ribbon Cutting
The City of Lee’s Summit will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at the railroad bridge on Northwest Colbern Road to mark the official opening of Colbern Road, the largest capital infrastructure project to date in the City’s history.
The $30 million Colbern Road Improvements Project, which began in September 2023, was funded by the 2017 Capital Improvement Sales Tax, water and sewer funds, and grants through the federal Surface Transportation Program and the Governor’s Transportation Cost-Share Program. The project addresses decades of traffic congestion, safety concerns and infrastructure needs along Colbern Road between Northeast Douglas Street and Northwest Blue Parkway. Upgrades include wider lanes, updated drainage and stormwater systems, new sidewalks and pathways, replacement of the bridge over the railroad and creek, modern street lighting and landscaping, as well as improvements to intersections and roundabouts for enhanced traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
“This was a massive project that represents a major investment in our community’s future,” said Mayor Bill Baird. “The improvements along this corridor will make travel safer and enhance mobility for our residents, while positioning the City for continued progress in one of Lee’s Summit's fastest-growing areas. As development continues along Colbern Road, the benefits of this project will be felt for years to come.”
The project was a collaboration between the City, design engineer Garver and construction contractor Clarkson Construction Company.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is open to the public, and community members are invited to attend. Those attending are encouraged to enter at the west end of Northwest Colbern Road, travel east through the roundabout at Northwest Blue Parkway and park east of the railroad bridge.