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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.

There have been a number of comments that suggest adding more lanes in each direction will help with the congestion and traffic flow. Other suggestions such as construct auxiliary lanes on I-35 from I-435 to 119th Street.
Good news: adding additional lanes, including auxiliary lanes on I-35 from I-435 to 119th Street will most likely be included as part of the final design improvement concept.
Though there are still a number of steps to complete before we are able to build anything. After this study is concluded, the environmental documentation process and final design of the roadway will need to be completed and funding will have to be identified for construction.

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.

Another comment from an earlier post that is best addressed during this phase: “Honestly, with lots of wasted time every day to consider better options, finding alternatives for increased traffic exiting off I-35 would speed the whole interchange. Why were no exits at 127th or College Blvd overpasses planned for?”

Thanks for the question. As part of the Johnson County Gateway: I-435/I-35/K-10 Interchange Study, the study boundaries are 119th on I-35, so the study team has reviewed potential options for an interchange at College Blvd, but does not consider it viable. An interchange at College Blvd. would be cost prohibitive because of the adjacent railroad, several buildings and Lackman Road. Further, College Blvd. is very close to the I-35/I-435 and I-35/119th Street interchanges. To promote safety and mobility, KDOT perfers interchange spacing of at least one mile.

As far as 127th Street goes, it is out of the scope and boundaries of this study. In reviewing the long range transportation plan for Olathe, the overpass at 127th Street was completed in 2006 and there are no current plans to convert it to an interchange with access to I-35.