KDOT to host public open house for K-7 & I-70 Interchange Phase 1 Construction Project

KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- From the Kansas Department of Transportation:

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is hosting a public open house for the upcoming construction for Phase 1 of the K-7 and I-70 Interchange Project in Bonner Springs. The public is invited to stop by the open house-style meeting anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30 at the Bonner Springs High School (100 McDanield, Bonner Springs, Kansas 66012). Short, identical presentations will be given at 5:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. that evening.

We invite anyone interested in the construction project to come learn about the project details and view displays on construction phasing and schedule, and potential traffic impacts. KDOT and Clarkson Construction (project contractor) staff will be on hand to answer questions about the upcoming construction project.

Construction of Phases 1-3 of the interchange will be funded through KDOT’s T-WORKS program as was announced in 2011. Phase 1 improvements include a new traffic signal at the intersection of K-7 and Speaker Road, the addition of a loop ramp to both the northwest and southwest quadrants of the existing K-7 and I-70 interchange, and the removal of the overpass and existing I-70 ramps from the southeast quadrant of the interchange. Construction on the Phase 1 project will begin in late July 2013 and is scheduled for completion in late 2014. The Phase 1 construction project handout will be available online after the public open house at http://www.ksdot.org/kcMetro/projectstudytest.asp.

Project work on the new interchange began with Phase 2A construction which started earlier this year and is scheduled to be completed in November 2013. Phase 2A involves rebuilding bridges over I-70 at Riverview Avenue and 118th Street and realigning 122nd Street and Riverview Avenue. Phase 3 will shift I-70 to the south and widen it to six lanes between K-7 and 110th Street.

There is currently no funding for design plans or right of way acquisition for the remaining K-7 and I-70 interchange projects (Phases 4-10). When additional funding becomes available, Phase 4 is anticipated to be the next phase that will be constructed.

This project is funded by T-WORKS, the transportation program passed by the Kansas Legislature in May 2010. For more information, visit the project website at www.k7andi70interchange.org or KDOT’s T-WORKS program website at www.ksdot.org/tworks.

If you have questions or will require special assistance at the open house, please contact Kimberly Qualls, KDOT Public Affairs Manager at (785) 296-0192 at least one week in advance of the public open house.