South Metro Connection roadway recommendation finalized
Study advises two-lane connection between Johnson and Cass counties
Final public survey results and summary ››
Read the January 2008 study team report ›› (1.3MB, pdf)
Read the final fact sheet ›› (2.8MB, pdf)
The South Metro Connection Study analyzed the lack of east-west road connections in the study area and concluded that projected growth scenarios, land-use and traffic would require transportation system improvements to handle future demands in the area. After considering alternatives and proposing a series of alignments to the public for review, the study team has developed a final recommendation for roadway improvements within the study area.
The study recommends adding a new two-lane connection from Metcalf Avenue to Nall Avenue, following the existing 175th Street alignment from Nall Avenue to Kenneth Road, and adding a new two-lane connection from Kenneth Road east to Holmes Road.
The roadway would have a 45 mile-per-hour speed limit, would accommodate a hike and bike trail, and could connect U.S. 69 in Johnson County to the planned North Cass Parkway in Cass County. It is expected to save several minutes of travel time in the study area by providing a more direct connection between the two counties. It is a less-expensive alternative to filling in missing links in the roadway network, and it would better handle increasing traffic volumes in the study area.
Many residents in the study area hope the rural character of the area will not change in the future. They have expressed concern about environmental impacts of roadway improvements, displacements of homeowners, and wish to prevent increases in truck traffic and development in the study area. In selecting an alignment to recommend, the study team worked to identify a connection that serves the projected transportation needs of the area and minimizes potential impacts to the natural surroundings and adjoining residents. By planning intersections at one-mile spacings, jurisdictions can prevent unplanned and haphazard strip development. The study team also recommends that jurisdictions post signs that would limit truck traffic in the area.
The South Metro Connection Study Team is accepting public input on the final recommendation and will share the results with the elected officials from jurisdictions in the study, who will decide how or whether to support moving the proposed concept into an environmental assessment phase. Funding is not currently available for additional engineering, land acquisition or construction.
Map of Final Recommendation for Roadway Improvements
[Click to enlarge PDF map; 1.2MB] - Posted 3/27/2008
