The SLT Project Blog/News
Contractor selected for K-10/South Lawrence Trafficway expansion
IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 9, 2024 The Kansas Department of Transportation has awarded a contract for the first of two projects on the K-10/South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT) West Leg expansion. Construction is expected to begin this fall. KDOT approved the $170.6 million bid from Emery Sapp & Sons Inc., of Columbia, Mo., in the June bid letting for the south project. Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. was also the contractor of the eastern portion of South Lawrence Trafficway that was completed in 2016. The SLT West Leg expansion project is designed to improve mobility and safety along a 9-mile stretch of K-10 in Lawrence. This expansion project was approved to be constructed in two parts - the north project and the south project. Both are part of KDOT’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). The south project includes expanding K-10 to four lanes between U.S. 40/6th Street and U.S. 59/Iowa Street; and interchange improvements at Clinton Parkway and Iowa Street. The Wakarusa Drive/27th Street interchange will be reconstructed into a grade separated interchange, where access to and from local streets will be made via ramps. The existing traffic signal will be removed, and new bridges will carry K-10 traffic over Wakarusa Drive. The north project is scheduled to be let for bid in 2025. It will expand K-10 from U.S. 40/6th Street to North 1800 Road/Farmer’s Turnpike, as well as reconstruct the existing I-70/KTA interchange.
SLT neighborhood meeting with Aberdeen Apartment Complex
On Monday, April 17th, 2023 the South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT) project team held a neighborhood meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. at Southwest Middle School in Lawrence, KS. The purpose of this meeting was to address and answer questions relating to noise walls from those in the Aberdeen Apartment Complex and surrounding neighborhood located near the SLT. Meeting invitations via door hangers and electronic postcards were provided to the Aberdeen Apartment residents and to the first row of homeowners behind the Aberdeen Apartments. Two participants attended the meeting. The study team presented a video explaining noise wall criteria, benefited receptors, the study process, and specific noise analysis and results near the Aberdeen Apartments. Accompanying the presentation, seven display boards were also set up around the room allowing participants to learn more and talk with members of the project team. Click to see recorded Noise Wall Study presentation here.
KDOT to host in-person meeting on SLT noise study
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 24, 2023 The Kansas Department of Transportation will hold an in-person meeting for the public to learn and ask questions about potential noise wall locations as part of the South Lawrence Trafficway Expansion Project, known as SLT. The meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Southwest Middle School, 2511 Inverness Drive, in Lawrence. A 20-minute recorded presentation will run continuously at the meeting, and project team members will be available to discuss specific properties. Ballots for those known as Benefitted Receptors can be cast during the meeting, mailed afterwards or sent via email. The meeting is open to everyone, but only people with properties identified as Benefitted Receptors can vote on the noise wall construction. To participate in the virtual meeting or for ongoing SLT project updates, visit www.slt-ks.org. A virtual meeting component will be available until Feb. 17 and will include the recorded presentation and an interactive map of the study area. Submit comments/ballots to: info@slt-ks.com.
Wakarusa Interchange Public Meeting Open House Scheduled for June 29
IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2022 Wakarusa Interchange Public Open House Meeting Scheduled for June 29 The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are hosting a public information open house meeting about the Wakarusa Interchange on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. The public is invited to attend the open house style meeting anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Southwest Middle School, 2511 Inverness Drive, Lawrence KS 66047. At the open house meeting, attendees can learn more about the newly proposed alternative for the Wakarusa Interchange. The meeting will focus on sharing the new concept and gathering the public’s input on the changes to the interchange. KDOT, FHWA and project team staff will be on hand to answer questions. There will not be a formal presentation. For more information on the Wakarusa Interchange improvement as part of the South Lawrence Trafficway Project, please contact Kate Craft, Kansas Department of Transportation, at 785-817-9366 orkate.craft@ks.gov. You can also contact members of the project team by emailing: info@slt-ks.org 2022.06.27_wakarusainterchangemediareleaseFinal
South Lawrence Trafficway Public Comment Period Extended
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are gathering public input on the South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT) Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and the Identified Preferred Alternative. The agencies released the Draft SEIS for public review and began the public comment period on April 26, 2021. To allow the public additional time to review and comment on the Draft SEIS, the comment period end date is extended from June 21, 2021 to September 30, 2021.
LJW: KDOT to host virtual and in-person public hearings on proposed layout of SLT expansion
The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will host both in-person and virtual hearings, which will allow the public to provide input on the proposed route and the draft study, according to a KDOT news release. KDOT and the FHA evaluated several alternatives for the SLT expansion and determined in September that an open-access highway best meets the purpose and need for the corridor. Other options, including a partially tolled expressway were also considered.