Reconnecting the East Side: Let’s Build a Better US-71

For immediate release: Friday, April 3, 2026

The fourth and final Community Summit for this phase of the Reconnecting the East Side project is happening next week! Join us Tuesday, April 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. James United Methodist Church (5540 Wayne Avenue) to discuss the future of safe transportation along US-71 from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to 85th Street. The highway has divided neighborhoods, affecting communities in many ways. Now, it's time to reconnect.

Led by Kansas City, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), this project is about more than roads - it is about physically restoring the heart of the East Side, by listening to its residents, identifying early action projects, and framing a long-term vision that can be implemented over the coming years.

At this stage of the Reconnecting the East Side project, Kansas City is looking for community guidance and input on the Reasonable Alternatives for the US-71 corridor. Community Summit #4 will serve as an opportunity to learn more about the alternatives, the public input gathered up to this point, and the results of the project team's evaluation. Stop by to be part of the conversation and let's build a better US-71!

Stay Connected

For updates, event details, ways to get involved, and commenting options:

• Visit www.reconnecteastside.com
• Email Contact@ReconnectEastSide.com
• Subscribe to receive updates about the project and upcoming engagement events
• If you can't make it to Community Summit #4, the presentation and materials will be uploaded online by April 7, 2026 and will be available for review through May 8, 2026.