NEWS: NEWS RELEASES

KDOT Launches Johnson County Gateway: I-435/I-35/K-10 Interchange Study Website

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has launched a new web site dedicated to providing project information on the Johnson County Gateway: I-435/I-35/K-10 Interchange study at www.Jocogateway.com. The web site will feature an interactive blog that will allow the project team the opportunity to keep the public updated on the study activities and have an on-going dialog about project issues. The site will also offer project information, study schedule, calendar of events and resource documents developed for the study.

The purpose of the Johnson County Gateway: I-435/I-35/K-10 Interchange study is to develop an ultimate design concept and prioritize recommendations that improve the safety, mobility and efficiency of the interchange area. The I-435/I-35/K-10 interchange area is one of the busiest interchanges in the state. The economic vitality of the region relies on the continuity and efficiency of the transportation system. That is why KDOT is developing potential safety and traffic improvements for this interchange area.

The web site is one of several initial outreach activities for the Johnson County Gateway project. In March, the project team will hold its first meeting with the study's advisory group to gather input throughout the study process. The advisory group brings together business, economic development and public sector representatives from Johnson County, Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park. These stakeholders will meet seven times during the course of the 35-month study. Also, in early spring, the project team will host a public meeting to present information on traffic projections and gather input on future needs before the recommendations for alternative improvements are developed.

KDOT will develop design concepts and recommendations for improving the interchanges by studying and analyzing traffic, land use and stakeholder input. The 35-month study has three phases: (1) evaluate existing and future conditions; (2) determine feasible alternatives and develop an ultimate concept, and (3) prioritize improvements and identify interim, cost-effective solutions for identified problems. Expected completion date for the study is winter 2010.

The study began in September 2008 with data collection efforts including initial traffic and land use evaluation to understand how the existing interchange area is being utilized. The project team is now analyzing future land use plans and traffic projections in order to determine what type of investment is most needed in the interchange area. Included in the initial study phase is the evaluation of transit options, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and understanding stakeholder concerns in relation to how traffic moves through the interchange area.

The study will include on-going stakeholder engagement including: community interviews, electronic newsletters, interactive web site complete with blogs and on-line surveys, public meetings, community presentations, public official's briefings, advisory group meetings, media relations, and study workshops.

The improvement recommendations will be prioritized as phased construction projects that eventually will lead to building the ultimate concept. Interim projects and cost-effective solutions to target problem areas will also be developed.

Once the study is complete, each recommended project will undergo a thorough environmental evaluation process to assess potential impacts prior to any construction. At this time there is no allocated funding for any construction.

Study partners include KDOT, the Mid-America Regional Council, Johnson County, Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park, and the Federal Highway Administration. KDOT has hired HNTB Corporation as the engineering firm to complete the study.

For more information on the study, please e-mail the project team at jocogateway@hntb.com.