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 Projects & 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.

Phase 1 of the study was completed in late summer 2010. Phase 2 began in January 2011. To find out more about the study, visit the project web site at: www.5countystudy.org.

US-40/West 6th Street & K-10 Interchange Area Transportation Plan

The US-40/West 6th Street and K-10 Interchange Area Transportation Plan study will gather information about the nature and magnitude of future development and develop a list of transportation improvements and access management guidelines to accommodate this growth. The plan area includes a 1.5-mile segment of US-40/West 6th Street beginning at George Williams Way proceeding west to East 800 Road.  The plan study area also includes the K-10 ramps and an area approximately one-half mile on either side of US-40/West 6th Street. KDOT has partnered with the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, and the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization to develop this area transportation plan. The plan partners anticipate a seven- to nine-month plan development process.  The final report is anticipated to be completed by late summer 2011. To find out more about the study, visit the plan study page on KTOC at: http://ktoc.net/group_view.aspx?GroupID=b9294e2c243b4160b120b72e5a9ba815.

Topeka/Shawnee County Studies & Projects

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 early-2011. 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 - Topeka/Shawnee County

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is now kicking off Phase II of the US-24 Corridor Management Plan in Topeka/Shawnee County.  KDOT plans to actively involve business owners, local stakeholders, and residents during Phase II of the corridor management plan to gather information about transportation needs and future development planned along the corridor.  Phase II of the plan covers an east to west area on US-24 from K-4 to Menoken Road and a north to south area of 25th Street to Lyman Road.
KDOT, in partnership with the City of Topeka, the Topeka Metropolitan Planning Organization and Shawnee County, is conducting Phase II of the US-24 Corridor Management Plan. To find out more about the plan, visit the project website at http://us24corridorplan.ksdot.org.