Friday, May. 30, 2008

City hears Connector plan

The Olathe City Council heard a plan Tuesday on Johnson County’s proposed South Metro Connector.

After a lengthy discussion, Mayor Michael Copeland asked how the plan would benefit Olathe.

The two-lane road between 175th and 179th streets would connect northwestern Cass County, Mo., to southeastern Johnson County from North Cass Parkway at Holmes Road to U.S. Highway 69. Future expansion could bring the road into Olathe.

It also would help link railroad hubs at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base and the proposed Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway intermodal hub in Gardner.

The study to examine the corridor recently was completed to identify where the road could be constructed in the next 10 to 15 years.

County Commission Chair Annabeth Surbaugh said the road would be built with the necessary right of way to expand to four lanes.

Copeland asked if the road would spur economic development that could spill into Olathe. Surbaugh said it wouldn’t because of residential development already there.

Councilmember Marge Vogt interjected to explain that eventually the road would connect with Olathe. Councilmember John Bacon asked why a freeway couldn’t be built farther south.

Mac Andrew, the county’s infrastructure director, told councilmembers that the Kansas Department of Transportation would study the need for a southern freeway.

The council seemed to support a roadway in southern Johnson County but wasn’t sure this was the right plan.

Councilmember Jim Randall said the ultimate decision on the connector should be left to the county. Councilmember Larry Campbell said the connector was a “need,” and he suggested the county move quickly to avoid rising costs. Copeland said he would support the plan that provided the greatest economic development.

The public will have a chance to weigh in when county commissioners consider adopting the plan at a June 5 meeting.

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