The Solutions: Design, Preservation & Construction

$127.4 million has been secured for the construction of the initial improvements to the I-435 and US-69 corridors by 2008. The Focus435 project also includes planning and right-of-way preservation for the remaining corridor improvements although funding has not been allocated for construction of those projects.

Improvements to be constructed include:

• A new interchange at Antioch Road and I-435;
  
• Widening I-435 from six to eight lanes between Metcalf Avenue and US-69, including auxiliary lanes between interchanges for entering and exiting;
  
• An elevated fly-over ramp to replace the existing loop ramp in the southwest quadrant of the I-435/US-69 Interchange; and
  
• Partial reconstruction of the 103rd Street Interchange.

In addition to the construction improvements, Focus435 includes design, planning and preservation for other area enhancements, which do not yet have construction funding.

The other component of the Focus435 project includes the partial design of corridor and interchange improvement along:

• US-69, from south of the 119th Street Interchange to north of the 95th Street Interchange; and
  
• I-435 between I-35 and US-69.

These plans will serve as a guide for preserving right-of-way in order to ensure that construction can take place when funds become available.

KDOT and Overland Park are aware that planned upgrades will affect nearby communities, land use and businesses. We are making every effort to avoid and minimize those effects. Focus435's goal is to promote the sustenance of the existing region as much as possible.

Other issues being explored by KDOT and Overland Park include noise abatement, alternate routes during construction, and corridor preservation.

Your input is important to the Focus435 project, and we invite your comments.