Overland Park officials have moved forward with a downtown streetscape improvement that will align 82nd Street with Marty Street on Metcalf Avenue and add a small public green space. The project, funded at an estimated $4.7 million, is expected to break ground early next year and remain under construction through the fall.
Why the realignment matters
At present, 82nd Street and Marty Street sit opposite each other on Metcalf but do not line up, forcing drivers to travel half a block south on Metcalf before turning onto Marty. Councilmember Drew Mitrisin called the project “a big, important project that intersects Metcalf,” noting that a smoother crossing will benefit residents, shoppers and the upcoming five‑story apartment‑retail development at the intersection.
Project details and timeline
Supervisory civil engineer Becky Bonebrake told the Public Works Committee that construction will begin early next year, with work continuing into the fall. Metcalf Avenue will remain open throughout the project, though lane closures and temporary traffic adjustments are expected. “We will maintain traffic through Metcalf while we are doing this,” Bonebrake said, adding that work will be done “one half at a time.”
The realignment will cut through the former Grease Monkey auto shop site at 8200 Metcalf Avenue. In addition to moving the road, the city will add new access points for nearby properties, replace or install missing sidewalks, and upgrade several driveways. Utilities in the corridor will be relocated as needed to accommodate the changes.
Pocket park addition
Alongside the road work, Overland Park will create a pocket park near the newly aligned intersection. The modest green space is intended to provide a pedestrian‑friendly gathering spot for the downtown area, complementing the larger development plans for the neighborhood.
Funding and bids
The project was first listed in the city’s 2023 capital‑improvements plan with a $3.3 million allocation. By the time the 2026 plan was approved, costs had risen to $4.32 million, and the latest estimate stands at $4.7 million, driven by higher contractor bids. Federal assistance will cover $1.5 million of the total cost.
Earlier this month the City Council unanimously approved two consent‑agenda items: an amendment to the capital‑improvements plan to reflect the updated cost, and the award of the construction contract to Realm Construction for roughly $1.9 million.
Looking ahead
The realignment and pocket‑park project are part of Overland Park’s broader downtown revitalization effort, which includes the new five‑story mixed‑use building and other infrastructure upgrades. Residents can expect temporary inconveniences during construction but will benefit from a more direct street connection, improved pedestrian amenities and an added green space once the work is complete.
City officials will continue to provide updates on traffic impacts and construction milestones through the Public Works Committee meetings and the city’s website.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
