Kansas

[The Ghostbuster]

If they ever do reconstruct that interchange, they should move the left-handed ramps to the right-handed side and add the missing movements within the interchange.

[mvak36]

Driving to the airport last week in the rain, I got stuck in traffic trying to get from NB I-35 to I-635, and it made me wonder if reconstructing this interchange is on literally anyone's radar at KDOT. It's just a complete shitshow of an interchange:

- Only one lane from NB 35 to 635, causing backups in the left lane on 35
- Weaving of traffic between SB 635 and NB 35, all on a one-lane C-D road on the left side of NB 35
- Oops, all left exits!

I spent 15 minutes just trying to get from Shawnee Mission Parkway to 635, and there wasn't a crash or any other reason I could see for the traffic to back up -- though there easily could have been a crash with all the people trying to get over to the left lane to exit and the suddenly slowing traffic in what should be the fast lane. I know it's hemmed in by railroad tracks to the north and Turkey Creek to the south, but in the words of every infomercial ever, "there's got to be a better way!"

As best I could tell from my cursory search, KDOT doesn't have any plans to study this interchange, and even MARC's 2050 Transportation Plan doesn't include it.

It's long overdue. I avoid that area during the rush hours unless I'm going continuing straight through on I-35. I mentioned it in one of the IKE Local Consult meetings a few years ago but I am not sure if anyone else has complained about it.

[kphoger]

It's been a while since I've driven through KC on I-35, but my usual routes were these:

Off-peak hours = I-35 through downtown
Approaching rush hour = I-635 and I-29 back to I-35
Rush hour = via Topeka on KTA, I-435 and MO-152 back to I-35

I once did a southbound trip right at the afternoon rush and had good luck going MO-152 to I-435 all the way back to I-35 in Lenexa.

[rte66man]

It's been a while since I've driven through KC on I-35, but my usual routes were these:

Off-peak hours = I-35 through downtown
Approaching rush hour = I-635 and I-29 back to I-35
Rush hour = via Topeka on KTA, I-435 and MO-152 back to I-35

I once did a southbound trip right at the afternoon rush and had good luck going MO-152 to I-435 all the way back to I-35 in Lenexa.

I've been traveling from OKC to Minnesota for 40+ years and that is EXACTLY the travel plan I use. I do wish they could do something about 152 east from 635 to 35. Too many traffic lights

[kphoger]

I do wish they could do something about 152 east from 635 to 35. Too many traffic lights

I don't think I've used that route since they built the frankenterchange at MO-152/I-35.  Did that help at all?

I eventually just started planning a pit stop at the Phillips station, just so the stoplights would seem less annoying.