WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today praised the Kansas Department of Transportation’s announcement that the 32nd Street South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT) Route is now one of its major priorities for Kansas drivers.

“I can’t think of a better, more responsible option for one of the fastest growing areas of our state,” said Roberts. “I have long been an advocate for a safe and efficient transportation system connecting the southern Kansas City area with I-70. The 32nd Street route, along with the accompanying mitigation package, is the only feasible and prudent option to alleviate the traffic and safety concerns while protecting and enhancing the wetlands. I appreciate the work of Governor Brownback and Secretary Miller, both who have helped play critical roles in keeping this project alive.”

The senator emphasized that not only will the new route be a six mile long, four-lane highway, but it also represents the final piece of a high tech corridor, tying economic development from Johnson County to Lawrence, Topeka and Manhattan. He has worked for more than two decades to help move the project forward.

The mitigation plan that accompanies the 32nd Street plan creates more than 300 acres of wetlands to replace the 50 acres lost to construction. Roberts was instrumental in securing $1.5 million for the expansion of the wetlands, which has allowed this high-tech corridor to move forward.

During the Local Consult process, it was viewed as an important regional connector linking Topeka, Lawrence and Johnson County. It has a projected economic impact of $3.7 billion for an investment of $192 million. It also has the highest projected economic impact of any project under the Transportation Works for Kansas program (T-WORKS).

Currently Kansas Highway 10 is routed through city streets in Lawrence. According to FHWA and the Army Corps of Engineers, this route creates congested and unsafe driving conditions.

The SLT Route project has an estimated cost of $188 million. Construction could begin as soon as 2013.

-30-