The 119th Exit is Open in Olathe
From the City:
The I-35 and 119th Street Improvement Project will definitely improve the safety and efficiency of a major traffic interchange and related features that serve a unique blend of freight, light industrial, office, entertainment, and residential districts in the City of Olathe. Pinot’s Palette Olathe is directly affected by this intersection.
This project will address existing and future traffic needs. Due to rapid growth in the area, this interchange routinely has vehicles backed up onto I-35, especially during peak morning and afternoon periods. The crash rate is 11 times the national average for comparable interchanges. The City and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) selected the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) as the most effective solution through extensive study, public engagement, and design processes. Goals of the DDI and related improvements include:
• Enhancing safety by reducing conflict points
• Increasing traffic capacity by improving turn movements to and from I-35
• Minimizing impacts to businesses in the area during construction
• Keeping construction costs low
Sources and uses of funding for the project's $25.4 million capital costs include survey, design, environmental analysis, land acquisition, utilities, construction, inspection and testing, and other project management staff costs. The City will use local revenue sources to pay for 41 percent of the project, (in addition to the City's previous $3 million investment in years 2016-2019 for planning and design activities). KDOT and the BUILD Grant will fund the remainder.
1. Problem: 119th Bridge
High accident rates and not enough capacity for traffic
Solution: Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
Improves safety and capacity for traffic while minimizing maintenance and costs
2. Problem: Renner Blvd. at 119th St.
Renner Blvd. congestion backs up interchange traffic, poses safety hazards and can lead to environmental impacts
Solution: Extended turn lanes
Reduces collisions and environmental impacts, improves efficiency and provides additional access to businesses
3. Problem: I-35 Ramps
Traffic backs up onto I-35 causing higher crash rates and unreliable travel times
Solution: Ramp Expansions
Improves efficiency while reducing collisions and environmental impacts
Updates from the City:
September 30 Update
The 119th Street Bridge over I-35 has re-opened, allowing traffic to flow in both directions on the bridge and commuters to use the new diverging diamond interchange when exiting off I-35 onto 119th Street.
Improvements during this phase of the project include the diverging diamond interchange, a full mill and overlay of the 119th Street bridge deck, widening of exit ramps, and extending turn lanes.
Because of ongoing work on the 119th Street bridges over BNSF railroad and other ongoing construction activities, there will continue to be traffic control and lane drops on 119th Street throughout the remainder of construction, which is scheduled to last through the end of this year.
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August 31 Update
Work on the 119th & I-35 project continues with crews installing traffic signals, pouring pavement, and working on the curb and median outside the bridges. The outside decks of the BNSF bridges have been poured, and crews are working on barrier walls before beginning demo of bridge interiors in early September.
Work on the 119th Street bridge over I-35 continues to move at a good pace. In July, a complete mill and overlay of the bridge deck was added to the scope of the project, slightly extending the closure period. During the mill and overlay process, crews discovered that additional removal and repair work was needed. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, the closure of the 119th Street bridge has been extended through the end of September, 2021. Residents and businesses in the area will receive a postcard informing them of the change.
We apologize for the delay but thank you for your patience as we work to complete this project safely and in a timely manner.
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