What are new yellow bumps along Kansas City roads? They’re impeding traffic on purpose
Driving on Kansas City streets, you might encounter a bright yellow triangle on a street corner, blocking part of the lane. While they can be a pain for drivers — forcing you to slow down or change lanes — the bumpouts are designed to keep walkers safe.
These lane barriers are part of an infrastructure project aimed at reducing traffic injuries and fatalities on Kansas City roads.
Learn what these bumpouts are and why you might want them in your neighborhood.
What are yellow triangles on the roads?
These are called curb extensions. Poured into the street, the concrete extensions create extra space for sidewalks, plants and trees. They are designed to slow down traffic to make streets safer for pedestrians.
The curb extensions were installed in the Crossroads and other neighborhoods as part of Kansas City’s Vision Zero project, which also includes putting in speed humps and raised crosswalks as part of an effort to reduce deaths in the area.
How do they work?
A curb extension makes streets safer for multiple reasons. It reduces the time it takes a pedestrian to cross the street, and it helps drivers and pedestrians see each other.
In addition, the curb extension increases the turn angles of cars, meaning drivers have to slow down when making a right turn.
Why does Kansas City need them?
In 2024, the city is on track to break the previous record of traffic deaths: 103 fatalities in 2020, followed by 102 in 2023. Among Kansas City pedestrians, 170 died between 2018 and 2023, which is 33% more than the previous five years, according to a study by research firm Smart Growth America.
Kansas City is following a national trend. In the United States, pedestrian deaths have sharply increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paradoxically, this is because there were fewer cars on the road, according to Smart Growth America.
With emptier streets, crashes were deadlier because drivers felt more comfortable speeding and taking risks in their cars, according to the report.
How can I get a curb extension in my neighborhood?
See where projects have been completed on the city’s website.
If you think your neighborhood has dangerous traffic, you can find instructions on how to request traffic calming in your area. First you need to submit a request through the MyKCMO online form or app. Then you’ll have to collect signatures from your neighbors.
For example, to get a speed bump installed, you have to collect signatures from 75% of residents or property owners on the affected roads.
Have more questions about infrastructure in Kansas City? Contact the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
