Access Management Policy 2013 - Kansas Department of ...

KDOT Access Management Policy
is an important lifeline to all communities throughout the Flint Hills region. This highway is
heavily influenced by both commuters and local traffic that use the corridor to shop and enjoy
recreational activities. Traffic volumes vary between 23,000 ADT on the west study limits to
approximately 11,000 ADT at the east limits (2011 KDOT Traffic Count Map). This important
corridor has recently experienced significant development and population growth. In response,
agency officials agreed to initiate a corridor management plan that would assist the decisionmaking
process regarding developments along the US-24 corridor.
Pottawatomie County, Manhattan, St. George, Wamego, and KDOT have partnered to develop a
coordinated plan for the US-24 study area. The intent of this effort is to (1) plan for adequate
infrastructure to serve future development and (2) keep US-24 and its associated transportation
system operating safely and smoothly. The result of this study is the US-24 Corridor Management
Plan (www.ksdot.org/projects.asp) for the highway’s traffic operations and adjacent land use.
8.5.1.g US-56 from US-59 to I-35 (Douglas and Johnson Counties)
This corridor consists of the segment of US-56 from US-59 in Douglas County east to I-35 in the
city of Gardner in Johnson County (approximately 22 miles). US-24 is a Class D route that
connects the cities of Gardner, Edgerton, Baldwin City, as well as Douglas and Johnson counties.
With the construction of the new Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad intermodal
facility, and subsequent development in Edgerton, traffic along US-56 is expected to increase.
Traffic volumes vary from 4,000 ADT to 5,000 ADT (2011 KDOT Traffic Count Map). This
corridor will likely experience increased development as a result of the BNSF intermodal facility.
As a result, KDOT officials agreed it would be beneficial to initiate a corridor management plan
that would assist the future decision-making process.
In 2008, KDOT and local partners began the US-56 Corridor Management Plan. The purpose of the
plan was to improve access management and capacity along US-56 in a way that supports the
needs and addresses the concerns of the corridor community. The US-56 Corridor Management
Plan (www.ksdot.org/projects.asp) was completed and adopted by local officials in July 2010.
8.5.1.h K-4 from Auburn Road to I-70 (Shawnee County)
This corridor consists of the segment of K-4 from Andover Road north to I-70 in Shawnee County.
K-4 is a Class E route that connects the city of Topeka with the city of Auburn to the south (from
Auburn Road) and the city of Dover to the west. Significant growth has occurred within southwest
Shawnee County which has increased commuter traffic along Auburn Road in the corridor. Traffic
volumes vary from between 6,000 and 7,000 ADT (2011 KDOT Traffic Count Map). Commercial
and residential development could increase along this section of K-4 as a result of increased
development in southwest Shawnee County. KDOT staff would like to work with local partners
(city of Topeka, Shawnee County) to initiate an access management plan.
8.5.1.i US-36 from K-187 to County Road L (city of Seneca, Nemaha County)
This corridor consists of the segment of US-36 between K-187 (west boundary) and County Road
L (east boundary), including portions of the city of Seneca and unincorporated areas of Nemaha
County. US-36 is a Class B route, part of the National Highway System, which connects Seneca
with Hiawatha to the east and Marysville to the west. US-36 is a commercial corridor that
transports people and goods throughout northern Kansas. Traffic volumes vary from 4,000 ADT to
6,000 ADT along the corridor (2011 KDOT Traffic Count Map). KDOT’s Bureau of Traffic
Chapter 8—Appendices J a n u a r y 2 0 1 3 | P a g e | 8 - 57