Council Grove residents and downtown business owners had an opportunity Wednesday evening to review and comment on proposed downtown Streetscape plans during a community meeting led by Jason Hoskinson, engineer with BG Consultants.
Hoskinson said the project area extends along Main Street from Belfry east to the river bridge, tying into the existing sidewalks and the riverwalk trail. The project is intended to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and the overall appearance of the downtown corridor.
The project would replace the area from the curbs to the building fronts, including sidewalks, curbs and related features, but not lighting. One of the main design elements is the addition of curb extensions, also known as bulb-outs, at intersections. Hoskinson said the bulb-outs would shorten crosswalk distances, better define pedestrian areas and improve visibility for pedestrians and drivers.
He said pedestrian safety was a key reason the project received funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation. The project is federally funded through transportation alternatives funding administered by KDOT. Hoskinson said the city received $1.88 million for the project. Although the city originally anticipated a local match, additional federal funding has resulted in the project currently being expected to be 100 percent grant funded.
The city is currently working through the design phase with BG Consultants. Once the design is completed later this year, KDOT is expected to bid and administer the construction portion of the project. Hoskinson said bidding is anticipated near the end of the year, with construction possible in the spring of 2027, depending on weather and contractor schedules. The project is expected to take approximately three to four months.
Hoskinson said Main Street traffic is expected to remain open during construction, although parking and sidewalk access will be affected in phases. Work would likely be done block by block and one side of the street at a time. He said there may be periods when a business entrance is restricted while sidewalk concrete is removed and replaced, but contractors would be required to communicate with business owners in advance. Typical notice would be one to two weeks before work begins in a block, with at least 24 hours’ notice before a doorway is restricted.
Several residents and business representatives raised concerns about truck traffic, especially at the Main Street and Neosho Street intersection near Farmers & Drovers Bank. Speakers said large trucks already have difficulty making turns downtown and questioned whether bulbouts could make turning more difficult or create traffic backups, particularly after school.
Hoskinson said the design must meet KDOT requirements for highway intersections and truck turning radiuses. He said he would review the intersection further with KDOT and discuss whether changes, such as a modified curb design or a turn lane, might be possible. He noted that a turn lane could require the loss of parking spaces.
Crosswalk visibility was another major point of discussion. Several residents said pedestrians, including students, can be difficult for drivers to see, and some suggested more visible crosswalks, colored concrete or flashing pedestrian signals similar to those near the courthouse. Mayor Ryan McDonald said more permanent crosswalk definition has been discussed because painted crosswalks wear down over time.
The proposed design also includes a narrow strip of historic-style brick or pavers along the back of the curb to break up the concrete and add visual interest. Hoskinson said the pavers would be placed on a concrete base and installed to be generally flush with the sidewalk surface. Whether reclaimed brick, new brick or another material would be used has not yet been decided.
Council members and residents also discussed possible downtown amenities, including benches, raised planters, trash receptacles and bike racks. One concept mentioned was using wagon wheel-style bike racks to reflect Council Grove’s Santa Fe Trail history. Some residents expressed support for benches, while others voiced concerns about adding trees downtown because of leaves, birds and maintenance.
Hoskinson said the project is still in the design phase, and the purpose of the meeting was to gather public feedback before details are finalized.