Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Lenexa City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Lenexa residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
K-10: KDOT is launching a $1.2 billion project to expand K-10 in western Johnson County to deal with congestion. A small part of that plan is creating an interchange at Lone Elm Road, something some residents in the area are strongly opposed to. The Lenexa City Council will have some say in this aspect of the broader project. Where do you stand on creating an interchange at Lone Elm?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Ward 1
John Michael Handley (incumbent)
The proposed K-10 expansion gives us a rare opportunity to take advantage of a state program to improve traffic outcomes throughout the city. Adding the Lone Elm interchange will help alleviate growing traffic volumes on Woodland Road and Prairie Star Parkway, while also opening the northeast corner of K-7 and K-10 for future development. Blocking this interchange could force us to expand Woodland and possibly even Prairie Star beyond what we planned for: an expensive and disruptive project on its own.
While I support the interchange, I understand and share neighbor concerns about noise, visuals, and most importantly, safety. Some of those concerns have been addressed already: it’s encouraging that sound barriers are included in the proposed project, for example. I am committed to ensuring any designs prioritize pedestrian safety and intuitive road design for drivers of all ages. From my experience with infrastructure projects, I know that any engineered project factors in serious design and safety considerations, and I am confident we can achieve an interchange that works well for the community and supports safe, efficient growth.
Joe Shull
Unfortunately, despite resident opposition, the interchange is moving forward instead of an overpass. This highlights another example of some members of the Council not listening to what the residents truly want. If elected, I will make it a priority to ensure the safety of the kiddos who attend schools near the interchange. The Council owes that to the residents who were forced to have this interchange instead of an overpass.
Ward 2
Bill Nicks (incumbent)
My stance on the Lone Elm Interchange has been to support an overpass, while speaking against and voting to eliminate an interchange in the capital improvement program. As the NE and NW corners of K7 and Highway 10 develop, I think we could have looked at taking traffic out to Prairie Star, to K7, and then onto Highway 10, rather than taking it through, and by, neighborhoods and schools on both sides of Highway 10. As interchange plans are developed, it is imperative that all of the safety and traffic impact concerns of the residents and school district are considered and addressed.
Nicole Wasson
Driving on K10 at 435 needs to be addressed, so I was happy to see the project taking shape. Originally, I answered the KDOT survey for overpass, but continued to investigate the proposed change, as I walk my dogs along Lone Elm most days. Really taking a look at the traffic on K10 and Woodland, watching the KDOT presentation on the impact studies and additional materials, I came to change my mind. Currently, I support the city’s decision for the interchange as long as Olathe also support the interchange.
Ward 3
Avery Bell
Lenexa has been planning for the Lone Elm interchange in the Capital Improvement Program since 2005. It has been an integral part of the plan for not just the traffic we have today, but the traffic we will have tomorrow. Particularly with the additional development that is expected in this area. Put differently – without the interchange we would have to expand many other adjacent roads and intersections – which is likely to be more costly and pose different concerns. The interchange will not only bring in much needed relief of congestion on K-10 but also improve safety for both vehicles and pedestrians with additional signaled intersections. I hear and understand why some residents are not in favor, but I believe the interchange is still the right thing for Lenexa’s future.
Corey Hunt
I believe as I write this, we are beyond a vote on this now. I understand the city is working with the residents adjacent to the project areas to mitigate concerns on safety, noise and sight pollution the project may bring, which is the right thing to do. Looking to the future, I feel [we] have the foresight to ensure this does not happen again. Unfortunately, we have impacted our residents in this area negatively. If elected, I would certainly work with residents, council colleagues and city staff to make the Lone elm interchange as safe and as Lenexa-like as possible.
