The Watchdog | Roadwork in Northland will be worth the wait

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The problem

Harriette Martin of Kansas City, North, has a question about a construction project in the Northland. Judging from similar letters the Watchdog has received, she is not alone.

They all wonder about the realignment of Gower Road to connect with 64th and 68th streets.

“Are we going to be able to expect completion of this project in the foreseeable future?” she asked. The natives are getting restless, she added, and would appreciate an update.

The answer

That depends on your definition of “foreseeable” future.

Sean Demory, a spokesman for Kansas City’s Capital Improvement Management Office, said the project is expected to be finished by late spring.

“It is a pretty extensive project,” Demory said.

In addition to realigning Gower at Northwest Waukomis Road, the project includes the raising and widening of the roadway to four lanes, stormwater improvements, the relocation of water and sewer lines, and the construction of a section of the Line Creek Trail.

“The area has been underserved for quite some time,” Demory said. “We are trying to provide some amenities to make the area more accessible and more convenient for residents.”

The wait will be worth it, Demory promised. Northwest Bryan Avenue, he said, is expected to reopen by the end of the year.

“Really, we do appreciate the patience and the interest that people have in this project,” he said. “It shows that it is necessary and needed.”

To generalize Demory’s statement: When folks complain that the Watchdog has two speeds, slow and stop, they’re really saying that the Dog is “necessary and needed.”

Do you have a comment or question about a public issue? Write to the Watchdog, The Kansas City Star, Newsroom, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108, or send e-mail to watchdog@kcstar.com. Include your name, telephone number and city.

Posted on Thu, Nov. 12, 2009 11:09 PM

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