Public Works

As part of its sweeping green infrastructure plan, Kansas City is transitioning to LED streetlights. The new bulbs are more efficient, last longer and reduce carbon emissions. But environmentalists say that the real solution to reducing carbon pollution is to shut down the coal-fired power plant that provides energy to Kansas City.

The city has received 600 reports to 311 about potholes in just the last week. City Manager Brian Platt says city crews can fill hundreds of potholes per week, but weather and poor road conditions mean many more are taking out tires and breaking suspensions.

Kansas City set a goal of ending all traffic fatalities by 2030, but last year proved to be one of its deadliest yet. While the Vision Zero program has been slowly fixing streets for pedestrians as well as cars, city leaders say it needs more funding to make that happen.

Heat index values have tied decades-old records in parts of the Midwest this week, subjecting many of Missouri’s outdoor workers — landscapers, Streetcar construction crews and more — to potentially dangerous conditions.

The yearlong moratorium comes after residents of south Kansas City and surrounding towns voiced opposition to a new landfill proposal, which would have been built across from a school and residential area.

Las conversaciones sobre un posible vertedero en el sur de Kansas City están haciendo que la ciudad reevalúe sus necesidades en cuanto a la basura. Aunque en los próximos años la ciudad no corre el riesgo de quedarse sin espacio, los expertos dicen que no es demasiado temprano para empezar a explorar opciones.

Whispers of a new landfill in south Kansas City have sparked a fierce opposition campaign from nearby cities and residents. But the controversy also renewed interest in where this rapidly growing city will store its waste in the years to come. Plus: A Kansas City woodworker is creating chess boards based on his hometown's iconic skyline.

Talk of a potential landfill in south Kansas City is making the city reevaluate its trash needs. While the city doesn't risk running out of space in the next few years, experts say it's not too soon to start exploring options.

Kansas City has seen a decline in recycling over the last few years, in part, due to confusion and frustration about how the process works. So just how much of what you sort out is actually recycled, and how much is just shipped off to a landfill?

It's practically a rite of spring for Kansas City drivers: swerving to avoid perilous potholes that pockmark the pavement. This year, the city is spending more than ever to resurface streets after the winter weather, with the hopes of minimizing damage to drivers. But will it be enough?

The city stopped issuing new work permits after utility crews left a recently-resurfaced road torn up, violating the city's regulations on road construction.

County commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to break away from a 2014 agreement with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority.