KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A plan to alleviate flooding along Southwest Boulevard in both Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, continues to make progress.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is installing underground pipes to take storm runoff under a field and train tracks and deposit it directly in Turkey Creek. Eric Brandt, the project manager, said there is currently no pathway for stormwater from the area of 31st Street and Southwest Boulevard to naturally flow into Turkey Creek.
In past rain events, stormwater has flooded Southwest Boulevard and businesses along the road in Missouri and Kansas. Both municipalities as well as the federal government are paying for the project which costs tens of millions of dollars.
Brandt said the work happening now is the final phase of the project. He said it is on track for the predicted completion date of the end of 2020.
While the upgrades will make flooding less likely and less damaging, Brandt warned the changes will not eliminate the possibility of flooding altogether.
—
