A steady stream of local business owners turned out to review plans and discuss easement details with City of Kansas City, MO and partner McClure Engineering Co in early April (2026). Appraiser will be in the neighborhood later in the month, and all impacted business property owners have been notified.
The large-scale overhaul of Holmes Road in Martin City has been in the works for so many years and the project is now moving forward with momentum. We heard no major changes to the overall plans at this meeting:
- 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
- Easements now being negotiated 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
Martin City CID Manager Vickie Wolverton discussing project plans.
Meanwhile, the Martin City Community Improvement District has started planning locations for hanging flower baskets and other landscaping to bring Holmes Road in line with 135th Street’s appeal after construction is complete.
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.
For more details and ongoing updates on the Holmes Road project, visit the City of Kansas City, Missouri project page.