NEWS: NEWS RELEASES

KDOT Hosts Public Meeting for Johnson County Gateway: I-435/I-35/K-10 Interchange Study

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is hosting the first public meeting for the Johnson County Gateway: I-435/I-35/K-10 Interchange Study on Thursday, May 14. The public is invited to stop by the open house style meeting anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lenexa Conference Center located at 11184 Lackman Road, Lenexa, Kansas 66219.

At the meeting, participants can learn about the existing conditions throughout the interchange area, review future traffic projections and provide feedback on what their issues and concerns are for the area. KDOT staff and study team members will be available to answer questions and there will be opportunities for input and small group discussion around specific topic areas.

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 the interchange area.

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 includes 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.

KDOT recently launched the study web site, www.jocogateway.com, which provides updated information about the project and includes details for the upcoming public meeting. Study partners include KDOT, the Mid-America Regional Council, Johnson County, Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park, and the Federal Highway Administration.

News Contact: Kimberly Qualls, (785) 640-9340 or kqualls@ksdot.org