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Study Purpose and Need

[Read full Purpose and Needs document] (pdf, 1.6MB)

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To improve access, mobility, and safety between Johnson and Cass Counties by
assessing transportation needs and alternatives related to the east-west travel
connection from the North Cass Parkway at Route D to US 69, while respecting the
environmental constraints and quality of life concerns. The need for these
improvements is supported by the recommendations contained in the Mid-America
Regional Council Perimeter Transportation Needs Assessment Study, the North Cass
Parkway Study, and Johnson County’s Comprehensive Arterial Road Network Plan.

NEEDS FOR THE STUDY

Based on both the existing and the projected future conditions described in the pages
that follow, eight primary needs for the project were identified. These needs include the
following:

  1. Regional Growth – has resulted in more travel demand and cross-suburb travel.

  2. Johnson / Cass County Growth – both counties have experienced and will
    continue to experience growth in employment and population.

  3. Jobs / Housing Location – more limited housing options near employment
    centers in southern Johnson County, means growing commute movements from
    Cass County through this area and the region.

  4. System Linkage – there are limited routes available to serve movements
    between Johnson County and northern Cass County.

  5. Capacity – the main routes that serve the east-west travel in the southern part of
    the Kansas City region (I-435 and 135th/M-150) are congested and are expected
    to be highly congested 20 or more years in the future.

  6. Roadway Deficiencies – of the roads available for this movement of people and
    goods, many are circuitous and have very low capacity.

  7. Transit Service – is a vital complementary component of the transportation
    options available to users of the region. The South Metro Connection study
    needs to continue to be aware of the transit plans, such as Smart Moves, and
    support the plans where possible.

  8. Bicycle and Pedestrian Routes – do not connect across the state line in the
    study area limiting use of these modes. However, the study provides an
    opportunity to identify potential routes within the study corridor to work with future
    recommendations or accommodate future options.