A two-mile stretch of road in eastern Independence could pave the way for thousands of new homes and a stronger road network linking with Blue Springs.

When completed, the 39th Street realignment project will result in a four-lane road beginning just east of the Little Blue River, cutting straight across 1,000 to 2,000 acres of undeveloped land, and ending at R.D. Mize Road.

The 39th Street Transportation Development District is financing the project with a one-eighth-cent sales tax on businesses along 39th Street.

“The pavement and storm-sewer connections along the extension are basically completed,” said Shar Dilmaghani, construction projects manager for the Independence Public Works Department. “The 150 feet at the two ends of the project that tie into R.D. Mize Road and 39th Street is not in yet.”