Q: Are you looking at Maple Street Access?
A: No. KDOT considered a new interchange on I-235 at Maple in 1999 during a previous study. At that time, KDOT concluded that there were serious safety and operational problems with adding a new interchange at this location. Since 1999, safety and operational conditions have worsened. We believe the decision to not add a new interchange at Maple was correct then and is even more correct now.
Q: What kind of improvements do you expect to do?
A: Due to safety and operational concerns, the two existing interchanges clearly need geometric improvements. However, we won't know what improvements to make until the study is finished. The study will be used to determine what can be done in the near future and what needs to be by 2030. Also, we will consider "improvements" not only to the two state highways, but also to the associated local roads if such improvements will improve the system. As of March 2006, we have $14 million dollars to spend and the cost of improving the two interchanges will cost a minimum of $100 million dollars. Reconstructing the interchanges is not in our current Comprehensive Transportation Program (CTP) that ends in 2009. We will also consider how technology might help us better manage traffic.
Q: Is widening I-235 included?
A: While the intent of this study is to determine what to do, Congress has provided KDOT and Wichita with some funds to widen I-235 between US 54/400 (Kellogg Ave.) and Central. We anticipate this study will help us determine in part how best to do that.
Q: What did the previous study conclude?
A: A) Reconstructing the I-235 & US 54/400 (Kellogg Ave.) interchange will cost at least $100 million. B) The Central Ave. interchange should be considered at the same time as the US 54/400 (Kellogg Ave.) interchange.
Q: How much could these improvements cost?
A: The previous study indicated that reconstruction of the US 54/400 (Kellogg Ave.) interchange could exceed $100 million. This study will include updated cost estimates for whatever projects are recommended.
Q: What can be done right away?
A: This study will help us determine what could be done in the near future. It will also help identify other improvements that might be feasible to help address the problems until funding is available for long-term improvements.
Q: Why has it taken so long to fix this obvious problem?
A: The scale of the problem is such that paying for the solution is likely to be very expensive. Until recently, there haven't been any monies committed to the project. Congress has provided $14 million to begin work on the solution.
Q: Are you looking at any Wichita-Valley Center Floodway crossings?
A: While it will be necessary to examine the impacts of additional Wichita-Valley Center Floodway crossings on the Central and Kellogg interchanges, this is not the focus of the study. The study will not try to identify additional crossing locations.