Topeka/Lawrence Metro Area
Projects & Studies

The Topeka/Lawrence Metro Area is a beehive of transportation activity. In order to manage the growth and prepare for an efficient and effective transportation system, the Kansas Department of Transportation and many local partners are working together to study the area and develop plans for the future. Here is a sampling of the studies and projects underway in the Topeka/Lawrence Metro Area.

Lawrence/Douglas County Studies

5-County Regional Transportation Study

Rapid economic development in five northeast Kansas counties is straining the transportation infrastructure needed to support the growth and there is never enough money to address the needs. To help address the situation, this two-phase study will look at changing transportation needs in Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties. The study partners include the counties and cities in the area, KDOT, the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA), Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), and the Lawrence-Douglas County Metro Planning Commission. To find out more about the study, visit the project web site at: www.5countystudy.org.

US-56 Corridor Management Plan

The US-56 Corridor Management Plan will assess and make recommendations concerning traffic volumes and movements, safety, access, and land use along the US-56 corridor between US-59 and Gardner. Study partners include MARC, Lawrence-Douglas County MPO, Douglas and Johnson counties and the cities of Baldwin City, Edgerton and Gardner. To find out more about the corridor management plan, visit the study web site at: www.us56corridorplan.org.

Topeka/Shawnee County Studies

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), along with partners, the City of Topeka and the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization, are conducting a study for the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct in Topeka. The two-phase study will determine the future of the 3,800-foot long bridge located in downtown Topeka. During Phase I, the study team will identify a location and design concept on which to base future design work. Phase I is expected to be completed by mid-2010. During Phase II of the study, engineers will conduct preliminary work to add detail to the location and design concept identified in Phase I. Phase II is scheduled to be completed in 2012. To find out more about the I-70 Topeka Polk-Quincy Viaduct Study, visit the study web site at: http://I70PolkQuincy.ksdot.org.

US-24 Corridor Management Plan in Shawnee County

Coming soon.

Topeka/Shawnee County Projects

29th Street & Fairlawn Road Intersection Improvement Project

The 29th Street and Fairlawn Road intersection improvement project is a cooperative effort, funded in part by the KDOT, the City of Topeka, and Shawnee County. The intersection improvement project includes the reconstruction of the 29th Street and Fairlawn Road intersection along with improvements to adjoining I-470 entrance/exit ramps. Improvements include the addition of a new dedicated right turn lane on the westbound I-470 to Fairlawn Road exit ramp, complete reconstruction of the 29th Street to westbound I-470 entrance ramp, construction of two new designated lanes to carry traffic from eastbound 29th Street to southbound Fairlawn Road and two new designated lanes to carry traffic from the westbound I-470 exit ramp to 29th Street, and the installation of additional traffic signals at the I-470 ramps to 29th Street and Fairlawn Road. Graybeal Construction Co. Inc., is the primary contractor on this $2.1 million intersection improvement project.  Project construction is scheduled to begin in late August 2009 with a tentative completion date of fall 2010. 

Click here for project construction phasing and traffic impacts.

Click here for sidewalk closure information.