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We are looking for feedback on access and mobility issues. Please providie your input by taking the online survey. The surveys provide insight into what issues are of most concern to the respondents and help the study team as they work on the alternative for improvements.

A respondent to our first online survey made this comment: “Providing more length of road at interchanges where the oncoming traffic lane quickly turns into an ‘exit only’ lane. Also please improve the visibility of the lane markings–they are very hard to see when the road is wet.”
Response: As additional lanes are planned for and access points are separated this will help traffic flow. Visibility of the lane markings–new markings would be a part of any new concept, but improvements to the existing markings could occur well before any of the recommended improvements as part of the routine maintenance program.

Through our survey we received several comments regarding alternative transportation considerations. One such comment: ” High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes would reduce congestion at peak times, reduce the need for more costly lane expansions, and provide incentive for public transportation.”
Response:
High occupancy vehicle lanes are being considered as part of the solution for this interchange area as are other options such as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), managed lanes, and transit options. Any alternative transportation solutions will work in conjunction with physical changes to the interchange area, such as additional lanes or improvments to curves.

According to our updated survey results, an acceptable level of delay through the interchange area is about 5-10 minutes. Of course, less delay is always better.
A few respondents expanded their thoughts to describe traffic issues in larger cities and by comparison, a 5-10 minute delay isn’t so bad–today, but if 5-10 minutes becomes 20-30 minutes in years to come, then its a bigger issue.
What are your thoughts about an acceptable level of delay?

The intial summary of the survey results for alternative transportation considerations is now posted.
Results indicate that the majority of the survey respondents do not use public transit through the interchange area. Respondents provided reasons for not using transit, as it doesn’t meet their traveling needs in terms of location and schedule.
When asked how long travelers are delayed is because of congestion, most noted they were delayed between 5 and 10 minutes a day with a few who said their delay was about 30 minutes a day.
The next question asked their opinion on the acceptable delay in traffic. The majority of responses indicated that a delay less than 10 minutes would be acceptable, with a a delay of 5 minutes or less to be preferrable. One person noted that traffic should never be completely halted.
The survey is still open, so please feel free to add your thoughts!

The Kansas Department of Transportation is also conducting a study to review transportation investment needs within northeast Kansas. The study includes Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties. The study just completed a survey of over 1,000 residents in the 5-county area to gather input on transportation issues facing the region. When survey participants were asked to name the most important issues to address over the next ten years, residents named the maintenance of current roads within the cities, and
the traffic flow on highways and major roads.

The results fit in with what we are hearing about the traffic flow through the I-435/I-35/K-10 interchange area. To review all the results from the 5-county survey or to learn more about the 5-county study, visit the project web site at: www.5countystudy.org

Our first online survey on interchange use has been summarized and results are now posted. Not surprisingly, the top issues and concerns identified by the survey are safety and congestion. Over 63% of those who responded to the survey drive through the area every day. The input received through the surveys helps the study team understand the driver experiences people have. We appreciate your input. We will have more online survey opportunities through the course of the study and your input is important! Survey number 2 on Alternative Transportation Considerations is now available.

The I-435/I-35/K-10 Interchange area is one of the busiest interchanges in the state. We know at times there is a lot of congestion and sometimes traffic is very slow. As part of the interchange study, the study team will review other transportation considerations as one way to address and manage congestion. Please add your thoughts by taking our NEW online survey.