Study Area


The primary study limits of the interchange are described as follows:LewisClarkViaduct.jpg

  • I-70 from the north Central Avenue ramp gore locations to the Kansas/Missouri State line
  • Minnesota Avenue from 5th Street to the I-70 Intersection
  • Washington Boulevard from 5th Street to the I-70 Intersection
  • Fairfax Trafficway from River City Drive to the I-70 Intersection

Evaluation of the ramp intersections and tie-in points on the following side streets will be included:

  • 5th Street
  • James Street
  • Armstrong Avenue
  • Schedule (graphic schedule):


Study Process



The study process is anticipated to take about 14-16 months to complete and will be broken into three primary phases:

Phase 1 - Existing Conditions and Alternative Development: The Purpose will be to:

   
  1. Develop a baseline condition to rehabilitate/replace the existing bridges, 
  2. Better understand the existing conditions of the interchange to determine areas for improvement,
  3. Better understand the influence of regional and localized traffic generators on the interchange,
  4. Better understand Existing and Future No-Build traffic levels and travel patterns, and
  5. Develop a simulation model within the immediate limits of the proposed interchange which will be used in selecting and evaluating the Preferred Master Plan Concept.
             
    Note:  The 2011 Bridge Inspections will be conducted during this phase to support development of the baseline condition for the existing bridges.
         
  6.    
  • Preliminary Typical Sections/Design Criteria
  • Conceptual Horizontal/Vertical Geometrics
  • Conceptual Guide Sign Layout
  • Conceptual Bridge Types
  • Preliminary Evaluation of Kansas River Crossing and Localized Drainage Issues
  • Preliminary Grading/Right-of-Way Needs
  • General Constructability/Maintenance of Traffic
  • Environmental Investigation/Problem Definition
  • Conceptual ITS/Ramp Metering Accommodation
  • Identification of Major Utilities
  • Railroad Coordination
  • Cost Estimates

Phase 3 - Master Plan Development: The last component of the study will include the development of a Master Plan Phasing Plan. The purpose will be to identify and prioritize phased construction projects which will eventually lead to the construction of the preferred concept. Also included will be the identification of interim project(s) which are cost-effective targeted solutions to existing problems which fit within the overall concept of the preferred concept. Finally, a Study Report will be prepared to summarize the study findings and recommendations.

Public Engagement Process


The public engagement approach for this study includes understanding the needs of key stakeholder audiences such as the businesses in the Fairfax industrial area and downtown Kansas City, Kansas. It is also important for the study team to understand concerns of the local neighborhoods, businesses and agencies. Input received throughout the study process will augment the technical analysis and help the transportation planners and bridge engineers develop recommendations that meet the transportation needs of users now and in the future.

Tools


The Public Engagement Plan will utilize the following tools:

Community Interviews – Complete 10-15 interviews with local leaders, property owners, residents to:

  • determine current project understanding and issues;
  • develop awareness of funding constraints and need for local partnerships;
  • validate understanding of key audiences, stakeholders, and participants;
  • identify potential areas of concern or special needs relative to the project and the community and,
  • identify local communication channels.

Stakeholder Briefings
Stakeholder briefings with public officials, businesses and other key stakeholders will be held 3 times during the course of the study to provide status of the project and gather some input on key project issues if applicable. 

Listening Sessions
This neighborhood meeting will be held for the Strawberry Hill neighborhood as well as other interested neighborhood parties.  The purpose will be to provide an early introduction to the project and the approach and then allow the participants to make comments or express their concerns.  We will outline the study process and discuss issues we heard through the community interviews and allow people to identify other concerns. There are a few optional formats for this type of meeting that can be discussed.  This would occur early in the study process in phase 1.

Issues Workshop
The Issues Workshop will bring together all invited stakeholders—those area businesses, key community leaders and public officials to a facilitated session to hear more about the project and provide input on the concepts.  Breakout groups would be used to allow participants the opportunity to understand benefits and drawbacks of each of the concepts.  This workshop would be held at the beginning of phase 2 as the three concepts are created.

Public Meeting
Two public meetings will be held to present information to the larger audience. Online meetings or webinars may also be done in conjunction with these meetings. 

Online Survey
Survey can be deployed around specific issues where input would be appropriate. While not meant to be statistically valid, it provides a good flavor through the opinions of those who live, work or travel through the area. 

Electronic Newsletter
They are project updates that can be sent out via email to our distribution list.  Images and links can be included to provide additional information.  Three e-newsletters are proposed.


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  Kansas Department of Transportation
Missouri Department of Transportation
Mid-America Regional Council
Unified Government of Wyandotte County