Holmes Road has been waiting nearly a decade for long-planned improvements, and the project is finally moving forward. At 60% design completion in early September 2025, the City of Kansas City, Missouri has outlined the current scope of work, which includes:
- 135th Street and Blue Ridge Boulevard intersections included in upgrades
- Widening Holmes Road 2-lane to 3 lanes with a center turn lane
- A 5-foot sidewalk on the east side
- A 10-foot multi-use trail on the west side
- New curbs and gutters
- New street lighting
- Full roadway reconstruction with new storm sewers and utility relocations
- Railroad coordination and a potential quiet zone improvement at the crossing on Holmes and possibly the one on 135th Street
- Public art opportunities to be integrated into the project
- Construction expected to start after the 2026 World Cup, with groundbreaking as early as spring 2027 and work extending into 2028
- Keeping Holmes Road businesses accessible during construction is a top priority — a point emphasized by many business owners in attendance
These upgrades are designed to give Holmes Road the same kind of transformation 135th Street received several years ago to make it safer, more modern, and more inviting for both residents and visitors.
The City hosted a Community Input Meeting at Martin City K-8 School to review the plans, answer questions, and gather feedback. Large project maps were spread out across tables, and engineers and project managers explained details to attendees. An easel showed examples of how art could be incorporated into the project — sculpture, lighting, and other design features meant to spark ideas for Holmes Road.
The turnout was strong, with residents and business owners eager to weigh in. Representatives from Pegah’s Cafe, Rey De Oros Taqueria, Secure Passage, Reno’s Powersports KC, Mac N Seitz, Rosehill Gardens and Rosehill Winery, and The Martin City Telegraph all participated. Their excitement was clear, but so was their focus: making sure customers can still reach their businesses while construction is underway.
For business owners, the new design represents opportunity. Miguel Cervantes, who runs Rey De Oros Taqueria, says sidewalks in particular could be transformative.
“I really like the idea of customers being able to walk to our restaurant. Sidewalks will help make us more accessible and that will be a big help. We want the kind of accessibility that 135th, the other main road in Martin City, now enjoys. We’ve seen the impact of 135th Street’s overhaul.”
From left: Pegah’s Cafe owner Rameen Sharifi and Rey/Dos De Oros owner Miguel Cervantes examine project details.
MCCID Manager Vickie Wolverton called the meeting turnout “impressive” and says it shows how much residents and businesses care about Holmes Road’s future.
“Martin City has been waiting so long to develop Holmes and upgrade it in a similar way we upgraded 135th Street. It’s going to be a big step forward for our businesses along Holmes. The MCCID will continue to work closely with the City and do all we can to maintain the project’s momentum and ensure everything, down to the details, is what’s best for businesses along Holmes.”
Vickie Wolverton is the MCCID’s Manager
Kansas City Councilmember Jonathan Duncan, who represents the Martin City area, stressed the project’s long-term importance.
“This project provides considerable investment in both the neighborhood and the businesses in this corridor. We’re really planning for the future to help Martin City become all it can be. And we will work diligently with project planners and the MCCID to help businesses remain operational during construction.”
Kansas City 6th District Councilman Johnathan Duncan
The Holmes Road improvements represent a major investment in Martin City’s future. The strong turnout at this early stage highlighted just how important the project is to local residents and businesses. MCCID will continue working with the City to ensure Holmes Road gets the attention it deserves and delivers the same kind of positive transformation seen on 135th Street.
For more details and ongoing updates on the Holmes Road project, visit the City of Kansas City, Missouri project page.