From the November 29, 2009 Unfettered Letters section of the Kansas City Star.com this letter appeared:
Bottleneck on I-435
One of the major bottlenecks to westbound Interstate 435 traffic on the Kansas side is the ramp to Interstate 35.
Too often, drivers who intend to take the I-35 exit jump into the middle or left lane and pass other drivers who have been patiently waiting in the right-hand lane. Then, at the last minute, these lane jumpers force their way into the exit lane, causing other drivers to brake to avoid hitting them.
I think it is time for the Kansas Department of Transportation to build two more lanes on the right side of westbound I-435 beginning from the Quivira ramp to the I-35 exit. A concrete barrier should be added halfway between Quivira and the I-35 exit, which would force drivers who want to exit to move into the lanes earlier.
This would allow westbound I-435 traffic to move along better and result in fewer collisions on that stretch of highway.
Curt Thacker
Bonner Springs
Response
The Kansas Department of Transportation is aware of the issue and currently has plans to add additional lanes from Quivira to I-35 as part of the US 69/I-435 improvements. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no funds for construction so there is no timetable for the improvements.
KDOT is also studying the I-435/I-35/K-10 interchange to determine what improvements are needed to reduce congestion and improve safety in the area. To learn more about that study check out the web site: www.jocogateway.com
