News Summary
Residents of Lenexa and Olathe are increasingly worried about a planned interchange at K-10 and Lone Elm Road, part of a $1 billion capacity project by KDOT. Local citizens have raised issues regarding traffic safety, especially near schools, and some have initiated a petition against the project. Although KDOT seeks to enhance traffic operations, community members demand a thorough review of safety impacts on neighborhoods and student routes. A public meeting is scheduled to address concerns and gather feedback from residents.
Lenexa, Kansas – Residents from both Lenexa and Olathe are expressing concerns over a proposed interchange at Kansas Highway 10 (K-10) and Lone Elm Road. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is working on the K-10 Corridor Capacity Improvements Project, which is estimated to cost over $1 billion. Local citizens are worried about the potential impact on traffic safety and their daily routines, especially those involving students near schools in the area.
Traffic conditions on K-10 are being monitored closely, with no incidents reported recently, although a broken down vehicle on eastbound K-10 in Lenexa was noted on Friday at 9:17 AM. Earlier that day, a collision led to a grass fire near K-10 and Kill Creek Road in De Soto, causing a complete shutdown of the highway. By the evening, at 8:10 PM, authorities had managed to reopen one lane of eastbound K-10 after bringing the fire under control.
Residents in the affected areas, particularly near schools such as Manchester Park Elementary, Olathe Northwest High School, and Prairie Trail Middle School, have voiced their discontent. Some community members, led by local residents Whitney Royer and Alexis Guetzlaff, have organized a Facebook group and a Change.org petition against the interchange, seeking to bring attention to their concerns.
KDOT plans the interchange as a means to improve overall traffic operations and distribute vehicle traffic more evenly. The agency has evaluated future increases in traffic volume along K-10, indicating that additional infrastructure is necessary to accommodate expected growth. Despite this, residents believe that KDOT’s studies have not sufficiently addressed the concerns regarding the impact on nearby neighborhoods and school zones.
The proposed interchange would directly affect around 22 properties, while alternative routes without the interchange could impact over 120 properties, which has become a point of contention for many residents. Olathe city leaders have criticized KDOT for appearing to prioritize economic development over safety, stating that a safer alternative, such as an overpass, should be thoroughly examined to prevent conflicts between pedestrian traffic and commercial vehicles.
KDOT has acknowledged the importance of including provisions for pedestrians and cyclists in their plans, aiming to accommodate various types of traffic even amid local objections. The Olathe City Council has reiterated that safety should be a primary concern, especially regarding school zones near the proposed interchange.
In response to community worries, KDOT intends to hold a public meeting on April 10, from 5 to 7 PM at the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus. This forum will provide an opportunity for residents to discuss the project and voice their opinions. KDOT aims to gather public input and will conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA) before progressing further, pending review by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
While KDOT officials claim to be open to feedback, many Lenexa residents feel that the proposal has not adequately considered their concerns, particularly those related to safety and neighborhood impacts. The ongoing dialogue between KDOT and community members will be crucial as the project proceeds, with residents advocating for a thorough evaluation of alternatives that prioritize both traffic efficiency and public safety.
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: Traffic Update on K-10
- Wikipedia: Kansas Highway 10
- KSHB: Debate on K-10 Interchange
- Google Search: K-10 Highway interchange
- Johnson County Post: Lone Elm Interchange Meeting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- KCTV5: K-10 Expansion Concerns
- Google News: K-10 traffic concerns
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
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