Greenline trail around downtown KC is gaining ground
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Students envision what Greenline KC could look like. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
A proposed trail encircling downtown Kansas City that has been quietly in the works for years is building momentum with a new public exhibit and active construction plans.
Why it matters: Greenline KC is still far from finished — but it's closer than you might think, with several multimillion-dollar projects paving the way.
- The bi-state trail would provide accessibility and pedestrian traffic to more than a dozen neighborhoods and districts.
Driving the news: The KC Design Center, a nonprofit that partners with K-State, launched a Greenline exhibit this month at the Kansas City Public Library's Central Branch.
- The exhibit showcases architectural renderings, connectivity pain points and creative solutions.
The loop would span the West Bottoms, the Historic Northeast, 18th and Vine, the Crossroads and the West Side, totaling more than 10 miles.
- A majority of its proposed route already has a dedicated path. Other sections could be completed through city streetscaping and trail projects.
Zoom in: Southwest Boulevard is getting a major makeover to the tune of nearly $44 million, including dedicated bike lanes that could be folded into the Greenline.
- City staff are in the final design phase for a Paseo Boulevard bikeway, a $1.2 million project that will serve as the Greenline's main eastern leg. Construction is expected to begin later this year.
- And Port KC says crews will pave part of the levee trail west of the Town of Kansas Bridge this week.
Yes, but: Three railroad crossings remain as tricky obstacles:
- KCK in February announced $2 million in federal funds for a levee underpass at the Union Pacific rail bridge, just north of the Rock Island Bridge.
- A few route options around Port KC's barge terminal have yet to be finalized.
- And the Lydia Avenue crossing near CPKC Stadium is years from being solved. Port KC could seek $90 million to build a flyover, per the Kansas City Star.
Behind the scenes: The Greenline Committee, led by Jared Campbell of the Downtown Council, has spent years advocating for the trail with local governments, developers and property owners.
- "Everyone that I visit with loves the idea," from business owners to residents, Campbell tells Axios.
- Lauren Harness, the KC Design Center's program director, also says people visiting the exhibit have shown "great enthusiasm."
The intrigue: The Royals' planned downtown stadium district at Crown Center could impact the trail's southern leg, Campbell says.
- Certain renderings of the new stadium include a faint green overlay representing the Greenline.
- Campbell says both the Royals and Populous, the design firm responsible for the renderings, are aware of the proposed trail.
Between the lines: Other major downtown projects — Roy Blunt Luminary Park and Barney Allis Plaza — are currently the main priorities for fundraising efforts, Campbell says.
- He hopes attention can turn to the Greenline after those wrap up so they can design and implement cohesive signage, lighting and wayfinding.
Zoom out: Biking, walking and running aren't just forms of recreation and exercise. They're ways to get around, reduce car use and explore the city.
- Transportation produces the highest share of KC's greenhouse gas emissions (34%), per a 2026 bikeway plan by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC).
- And in a 2024 survey, 73% of respondents told MARC walkable and bikeable communities were important.
- MARC tells Axios it supports the Greenline as a way to connect to the greater metro's trail system.
What's next: Greenline stakeholders will host group walks and bike rides on the new West Bottoms levee gravel trail 10am-1pm June 6, starting at Blip Coffee Roasters.
If you go: The Greenline exhibit is located on the library's second floor and will be up through May.
- Additional elements address wayfinding and signage, economic impact and social equity.