ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY OF PROPOSED UPGRADE OF STATE HIGHWAY K-96 TO A FOUR-LANE EXPRESSWAY FROM HIGHWAY K-17 TO THE EXISTING FOUR-LANE FREEWAY AT MAIZE, KANSAS

In October 1990, the Kansas Department of Transportation contracted for an environmental study of the proposed four-lane improvement of State Highway K-96 from the junction with Highway K-17 to the town of Maize. The principal objective of this report is to provide sufficient documentation to enable KDOT to make a "Class of Action" determination pursuant to complying with Federal Highway Administration environmental assessment guidelines. A second objective is to set forth specific recommendations with regard to how the existing highway can best be upgraded to a four-lane facility, thereby providing some direction to the initial stages of final design. The most notable environmental impacts identified are displacement and the acquisition of approximately 300 acres (121 ha) of quality farmland. For the 30-mi (48-km) route segment, it may be necessary to displace four residences and four commercial buildings. The project has been recommended for clearance with respect to historical preservation and noise and air quality impacts. The project has also been cleared of archaeological salvage concerns at a Phase II level in Reno County. It is impossible to assess the probable impact on wetlands in close proximity until more detailed design information is available. For most of the route, it is proposed that the two-lane addition precisely parallel the existing highway. Complete relocation is recommended at three locations: at Highway K-17, in the vicinity of Yoder, and at the crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad. Considered in total, the environmental impacts of the proposed expressway, though consequential, are slight in comparison with that which would result from a four-lane highway on a new location. It is recommended that the design concept outlined in this report be approved, subject to project budget constraints and further public input regarding access control proposals, and that the project be determined a Class II-B Action.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • KDOT Project Nos. 96-78K-03284-01 and 96-87K-3285-01, and FHWA Project No. WIHU-90-01
• Corporate Authors:

  Kansas Department of Transportation

  Docking State Office Building
  Topeka, KS  United States  66612

  Professional Engineering Consultants, PA

  Wichita, KS  United States 
• Publication Date: 1991-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Alignment; Archaeology; Environmental impacts; Four lane highways; Highway design; Highway engineering; Highway planning; Historic preservation; Improvements; Noise; Pavement widening; Recommendations; State departments of transportation; Wetlands
• Identifier Terms: U.S. Federal Highway Administration
• Geographic Terms: Kansas
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Highways; History; Planning and Forecasting; Research; I10: Economics and Administration; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00790591
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 3 2000 12:00AM