City of Lawrence discusses safety issues near Burcham Park and Burlington Northern right of way

The Lenexa City Planning Commission meeting held on May 28, 2025, addressed critical safety concerns regarding access to Burcham Park and the surrounding areas affected by the Burlington Northern railroad. The discussion highlighted the potential dangers posed by the current layout of the property and the railroad's operations.

A key speaker raised alarms about the railroad blocking access to Burcham Park, particularly during train stoppages that can last several hours. This situation has led to unsafe conditions where park visitors have resorted to crawling between train cars to exit the area. The speaker emphasized the need for an emergency egress route that would allow safe passage to the New York Street parking lot, suggesting that the city should collaborate with Burlington Northern to address these safety hazards.

Additionally, the speaker pointed out ongoing confusion regarding the ownership and maintenance responsibilities of South Powerhouse Road, which crosses the railroad. This ambiguity has resulted in issues with trash collection and road maintenance standards, further complicating safety in the area. The speaker urged the city to clarify these responsibilities during the replatting process to enhance community safety and support the city’s goal of reconnecting downtown to the river corridor.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing these safety concerns as part of the city’s planning efforts, with a focus on ensuring that the community remains safe and accessible. The commission is expected to consider these recommendations as they move forward with the replatting process.