News

The Kansas Department of Transportation unveiled a virtual tour of the I-35 - Homestead Lane Interchange to be built starting in the Spring of 2012. Individuals attending the event were able to speak with KDOT officials and make official statements of support or concern about the proposed interchange.

Deborah and Bill Arnold live at the intersection of 199th Street and Waverly Road. They came to the meeting to express their concern about noise and lights. Doborah Arnold said, "We have lived here for 22 years. I-35 at this location used to be much quieter. Now, even before the intermodal is built the highway generates much more noise. Her husband, Bill said, "KDOT needs to build sound barriers or berms to protect Bull Creek Park and isolate the noise and lights to the highway."

Representatives from the Cities of Gardner and Edgerton, Chamber of Commerce and other organizations were there to view the plans and network with community members. Edgerton City Council Member, Heidi Wiseman told GardnerEDGE, "I can't wait" when asked about the interchange. She went on to explain that, "people may have concerns about specific components or features of the interchange, but it is an essential component to a project that will bring significant economic development to Edgerton."

KDOT officials have not finalized the timeline for demolition of the existing Homestead Lane Bridge. The project timeline shows commencement of construction in Spring of 2012 and completion in Fall of 2013.

For more information on this project:

Visit the I-35 Southwest Johnson County Interchange website or link directly to these compents:

• detailed map of the proposed interchange focus on Homestead Road
• detailed map of the proposed interchange focus on I-35
• Meeting Brochure with timelines
• submit comments on the environmental assessment
• submit comments on the project and KDOT's Public Involvement Strategy
• Virtual Tour of the Proposed Homestead Lane Interchange (Quick Time Player required) (Quick Time download)