Independence officials are taking steps to address growing worries from residents about truck traffic on Bly Road. The road, which was closed in early April for the construction of a hyperscale AI data center, reopened to local traffic last week, but trucks continue to use the route to reach a new construction delivery site.
Resident complaints spark council action
Neighbors along Bly Road, a quiet residential street that dead‑ends at Bundschu Road, reported that trucks have been entering the neighborhood more frequently since the road reopened. “There’s an entrance into the job site, so this has just become another thoroughfare for a lot of the trucks that have already been misguided in coming down this way,” said resident Daniel Moorehead.
Moorehead, speaking on behalf of the Independence GUARD Alliance, warned that without an ordinance or penalty, the road could remain a primary route for construction traffic for the next six years. “We are exhausted by how much our area’s peace has been disrupted,” he added.
Council considers a resolution
At a study session on Monday, the council debated a resolution that would direct the city manager’s office to review the current truck traffic situation and recommend appropriate administrative action. Councilwoman Jennie Vaught questioned the need for a formal resolution, noting that Section 18.20.008 of the Independence City Code already gives the city authority over truck routes.
Deputy City Manager Lisa Reynolds explained that the council’s priority is to allocate staff resources wisely. “We have one traffic engineer and several traffic‑control studies, lots of requests for traffic calming throughout the city and things like that. It would redirect that person to this investigation and away from those things,” she said.
Council member Cody Atkinson expressed skepticism about elevating Bly Road on the city’s agenda, citing other pressing issues. “I just don’t know where this sits,” he said. “I’m fine moving this to the agenda, trying to get a little bit more information and see what we can do and work on trying to reduce truck traffic. I just don’t know that, given all of the work that we have to do as a city.” He also warned against setting a precedent that could bypass the city’s strategic plan.
City’s response and next steps
The city’s official statement emphasized that Bly Road is now open to local traffic and emergency vehicles, but through traffic is not permitted at this time. The statement also noted ongoing work on traffic signals, sidewalks, pavement markings and signage, with a full reopening to all traffic anticipated in early December.
Despite the city’s assurances, residents remain uneasy. Deacon Carson Buchanan of the local church highlighted past road deterioration caused by heavy trucks and warned that continued traffic could further damage the roadway.
On Friday, the council voted unanimously (6‑0) to move the resolution to the November 16 agenda for a first reading. The upcoming meeting will give staff a chance to gather data, consider traffic‑calming measures, and determine whether ordinances or penalties are needed to protect the neighborhood.
Background on the data center project
The Bly Road closure is tied to the construction of a hyperscale AI data factory owned by Nebius. NorthPoint Development sold the property to Nebius and is overseeing the private construction of the redirected road. The project, originally slated for completion in August, has been delayed by three months, pushing the anticipated full reopening of the road to early December.
Neither NorthPoint Development nor lead contractor Superior Bowen responded to requests for comment about the timeline or traffic‑management plans.
As Independence works to balance the needs of a major technology development with the quality of life for its residents, the council’s upcoming discussion will be a key moment for community input and responsible municipal oversight.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
