Martin City’s long-awaited Holmes Road improvement project remains on schedule with work expected to begin next spring and be completed by the end of 2027.
Kansas City, Missouri, City Engineer Nicolas Bosonetto provided the update during a 6th District community meet-up September 19 at Rosehill Winery. Bosonetto spread project blueprints across a table and walked residents through the latest plans. He reported no major changes to the project and expressed optimism about the timeline.
“We’re set to come in in the spring of ’27,” Bosonetto said. “And we feel good about being able to finish up by fall.”
Kansas City, Missouri City Engineer Nicolas Bosonetto updated local residents on the progress of the Holmes Road overhaul project.
The project will completely rebuild Holmes Road between and including the intersections at both Blue Ridge Boulevard and 135th Street, widening the existing two-lane road to three lanes with a center turn lane. Plans also include new traffic signals, streetlights and drainage improvements, a five-foot sidewalk along the east side of Holmes, and a 10-foot shared-use path along the west side.
Holmes Road is one of the two primary corridors defining Martin City, along with 135th Street, which underwent its own major reconstruction several years ago. The Holmes improvements will ultimately give the neighborhood a more cohesive streetscape from one end of the Martin City Community Improvement District to the other.
From sidewalks to turning lanes, the Holmes Road overhaul will bring major improvements similar to those already familiar along 135th Street.
Quiet Zones Moving Closer
The project could also bring a major quality-of-life improvement to Martin City: quieter railroad crossings.
Bosonetto reported plans are moving forward for additional safety improvements at the railroad crossing on Holmes Road near Secure Passage and the other crossing at 135th Street next to Jess and Jim’s Steakhouse. Median islands and additional gates would make it much more difficult for vehicles to drive around lowered crossing gates.
Those improvements could allow the crossings to qualify for quiet-zone treatment, substantially reducing routine train-horn use — a part of life in Martin City for more than a century.
“I do believe we have enough project money to do both crossings,” Bosonetto said while pointing to the two crossings on the plans. The changes, he said, should “improve quality of life a little bit, especially overnight.”
Train engineers could still sound their horns when necessary for safety.
Hopes are high for the establishment of railroad ‘quiet zones’ at both Martin City crossings.
Easement Work Continues
One remaining piece of work before construction begins is securing right-of-way and temporary construction easements from property owners along the corridor.
Several properties still need to complete negotiations with the City. Property owners within the project area who have not yet been in contact with the City are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Bosonetto said Public Works is also doing extensive utility coordination ahead of construction. Crews have already planned the location of underground utilities and have identified potential conflicts before work begins.
“We want no delays. We don’t want any conflicts,” Bosonetto said. “We’re excited about this project and want it to go asap.”
The City says lanes of traffic will remain open during construction and access to Holmes Road businesses will be maintained. Bosonetto acknowledged that road construction can still discourage customers and said keeping people aware that businesses remain open will be important throughout the project.
Bringing Holmes and 135th Together
The Martin City Community Improvement District is already looking beyond construction.
Rosehill Gardens is working with the MCCID on plans to eventually add Martin City’s familiar hanging flower baskets and other seasonal decor along Holmes Road, extending the look residents and visitors have come to know along 135th Street.
You can expect to eventually see Martin City flower baskets and street banners along Holmes Road.
The Holmes Road update was part of a September 19 6th District meet-up hosted by Councilman Johnathan Duncan at Rosehill Winery inside Rosehill Gardens. 6th District leaders regularly hold community meetings around the district to connect residents with City officials and provide updates on projects and other issues.
Duncan was joined by newly appointed 6th District At-Large Councilman Kevin McManus. The City Council appointed McManus to serve the remainder of the term vacated by former Councilwoman Andrea Bough.
6th District At-Large Councilman Kevin McManus (left) and Councilman Johnathan Duncan
Thank you, Pegah’s Cafe of Martin City, for providing coffee and pastries for the gathering. Special thanks also to Rosehill Gardens for hosting.
The Holmes Road project is currently in final design. Construction bids are expected to go out in November 2026. For ongoing project information, visit the City of Kansas City, Missouri’s Holmes Road Improvements page.
