Supplementary Project Mode(s):
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* Active Transportation
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The replacement of the 55-year old existing bridge (load posted, narrow, fracture and scour critical) will provide for unrestricted vehicular movement across the Kansas River, a significant natural barrier in the metropolitan area. Currently, this structure is the only access across the Kansas River between Eudora and K-7 highway. Loss of the structure, if not replaced at the upcoming end of its service life, would result in long detours and would significantly increase the vehicle miles traveled and time delays for area motorists. In addition, pedestrian and bicycle modes will be included with the structure design to provide a vital link for active transportation modes between Johnson and Leavenworth Counties.
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Scope: |
The overall project would be approximately one-half mile long. A structure with 2-12 foot lanes, 6 foot shoulders and a separate non-motorized path on one side is envisioned. The shared use path would provide safe crossing for less experienced cyclists/pedestrians by separating them from traffic. Unlike many other Kansas River crossings, which are located on high volume state highways, this project is on a city street/rural secondary road. This non-highway type of environment would be more palatable to the inexperienced cyclist. It is likely that experienced cyclists, regardless of the presence of the shared path, would opt to use roadway shoulder in lieu of the shared path. Metal rails satisfactory for cyclist protection would be placed above concrete vehicle barriers to provide a safe railing for cyclists utilizing the shoulder. In order to avoid a 2-year shutdown of the route, it is probable that an offset alignment would be used to allow the existing structure to carry traffic during construction. The existing structure would be removed at the end of the project.
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Total Budget in Year of Expenditure dollars (YOE):
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$21,840,000
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