FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

As the development of improvements along 127th Street progresses, answers to frequently asked questions will be posted/provided. Please visit the Feedback/Comments section of this website to ask questions of the project team, share concerns or provide general feedback.

Why wasn’t this done before the bridge opened?
The City has viewed 127th Street (from west to Pflumm) as a major arterial on its citywide street network plan for decades. Improvements to the three-mile long stretch under review (Kansas City Road to Pflumm) are estimated to cost in the range of $40 million! Consequently, it takes time and money to implement such improvements. The 127th Overpass is a significant project and due to the benefits of the project, the City was able obtain Federal funding. Due to its systematic ranking, extra Federal funding was obtained to help accelerate the construction of the segment from Kansas City Road to Mur-Len. Due to the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Process, improvements to the segment of 127th Street from Mur-Len to Pflumm were then programmed to immediately follow opening of the overpass.

Will I be able to drive on 127th Street during construction?
While it is too early to know exactly how the construction sequencing or traffic control during construction will be phased, in general, it is proposed that at least one through lane of traffic will be provided in each direction throughout the duration of construction. In certain circumstances, though anticipated to be short in duration (a week or two at best), through traffic may be detoured along 127th Street. It is likely that local traffic will be provided access throughout the duration of construction. As the design progresses, and certainly before construction would start, information concerning traffic control will be made available to the public. Check back on this webpage for more information!

What can be done to make it easier to drop off my kids at school?
There are two schools along the 127th Street corridor which generate a significant amount of vehicular and pedestrian activity. This project will improve access and safety for those attending as well as those just passing by the schools. The installation of a traffic signal will be reviewed at the 127th and Greenwood intersection just east of the High School. At the Junior High School, options are being discussed with the school district that include the potential to consolidate the number of driveways (three) along 127th Street as well as reviewing the potential for a driveway along Black Bob (even if it were only right-in right-out). Access to the street network is just one area of coordination. Internal circulation (to prevent cut-through traffic) and accommodating buses, is also important.

When will I know how much of my property you will need for right-of-way?
The basic form of this information will be available after review and approval of preliminary plans. Then right-of-way plans will be prepared which includes preparing title and plans for each property affected whether that includes right-of-way acquisition or just temporary construction or permanent utility easement. At that time a right-of-way agent will be in contact with the property owner to negotiate a settlement for the necessary area and type of acquisition. For the Mur-Len to Black Bob segment, Right-of-Way acquisition is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2008. For the Black Bob to Pflumm segment, Right-of-Way acquisition is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2010.  Construction for this section is anticipated during the summer of 2011.

How is this improvement being paid for? As an abutting property owner, will I be assessed for it?
No individual property owner will be assessed for this construction. The project has several funding sources, yet the major source of funding is through the City of Olathe’s general fund which is supported by taxes collected through out the entire City. Additional funding support is being provided by Johnson County through its County Assistance Roads System (CARS) program and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the bicycle lanes.