Major overhaul of Somerset Drive begins today

The good news: pretty soon, an aging section of Somerset Drive will be completely reworked, with new asphalt on the road and an eight-foot wide sidewalk to increase pedestrian friendliness.

The bad news: construction on the project starts today, and drivers can expect daily closures along the stretch between Franklin Park and Corinth Square.

Perhaps the most noticeable change aside from the sidewalk will be the narrowing of Somerset from four lanes to three between 83rd Street and Reinhardt Lane. Crews will create one traffic lane heading in each direction with a center lane reserved for turning cars. They will also install pedestrian islands in an effort to make crossing Somerset easier near Corinth Square.

The project is funded by both the city and Johnson County’s CARS program. For updates, visit the city’s construction page.