FAQ'S
- Why is this study needed?
- What is the purpose of this study?
- What are the elements of a Corridor Management Plan?
- How do communities benefit from Corridor Management Plans?
- Why does KDOT encourage Corridor Management Plans?
- How will this plan affect private property?
- What is the difference between land use planning and zoning?
- Are alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycles and transit service, being considered in the study?
- Where is the new Menard’s hardware store going to be located and how will this development affect US-24? How does this development affect the US-24 Study?
- How is this study being funded?
U.S. Highway 24 is a corridor that has recently experienced significant development through Pottawatomie County. This growth is already straining some of the available local infrastructure for water, sewer, and storm drainage. It also may eventually lead to unsafe and inefficient traffic operations due to increased traffic volumes, inadequate driveway spacing, and sporadic location of new development. Area agencies have identified the need to coordinate with each other on this study in order to preserve the existing infrastructure and be well-positioned for future, sustainable growth.
2. What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to develop a Corridor Management Plan, which will allow this segment of US-24 to grow in a structured manner by taking a comprehensive look at transportation issues, favorable land use configurations, local regulatory policies/ordinances, local infrastructure and general economic conditions within the study area.
3. What are the elements of a Corridor Management Plan?
A Corridor Management Plan outlines a strategy for sustainable corridor development by:
- Analyzing existing and future traffic conditions and recommending improvements that will help maintain/improve traffic safety and operations as the corridor further develops.
- Creating an “Access Management” plan that provides safe, reasonable access to adjacent development.
- Identifying favorable land use patterns that complement US-24 and benefit the community as a whole.
- Analyzing recent economic trends to determine what growth the local economy can reasonably expect in the coming years.
4. How do communities benefit from Corridor Management Plans?
Communities benefit from Corridor Management Plans because they facilitate the preservation of existing infrastructure and help position communities for sustainable growth. Corridor Management Plans promote safe and efficient highway corridors with reasonable access to adjacent development. Agencies that follow the plans are eligible for KDOT Corridor Management funds to help finance (in part) construction of recommended improvements.
5. Why does KDOT encourage Corridor Management Plans?
KDOT has an obligation to deliver a safe and efficient highway system to the citizens of Kansas. KDOT is also sensitive to the role its facilities play in local economies, and therefore strives to provide reasonable, safe access to adjacent businesses and other types of development. Corridor Management Plans create strategies for preserving our highway investments by maximizing safe and efficient traffic movements and providing reasonable, safe access to adjacent development.
6. How will this plan affect private property?
The Corridor Management Plan will help property owners and developers understand the broad vision area agencies have established for providing infrastructure to future development. The provision of infrastructure will be based on the land use pattern and the prioritization of services to support associated development. In order to make these plans, general land uses need to be assigned to property, such as residential, commercial and industrial. These designations are assigned after extensive study and input from the public. The land use portion of this Plan will guide the location of development within the corridor and the relationship between different uses.
7. What is the difference between land use planning and zoning?
Land use planning is a recommendation for future development; zoning is a legal function established by cities/counties for the development of property. Land use is the long-range plan for development of the area through defining the relationships of general land uses, such as residential, commercial and industrial. Establishing the land use pattern for the corridor will set the expectations for future development and thus influence the future infrastructure improvements necessary to support that development. Zoning consists of the immediate restrictions placed upon property at the time of development including use, bulk and area requirements.
8. Are alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycles and transit service, being considered in the study?
A transportation plan is incomplete if it doesn't include multimodal considerations. They have emerged as a need within this study because these services and amenities are currently lacking within the US-24 corridor, and because of rising fuel costs and other factors. This study will consider multi-modal land use options at a policy level, to assure that opportunities are preserved within the broad vision for the corridor. Implementation of actual projects/services would need to be considered by decision makers after this plan is complete.
9. Where is the new Menard’s hardware store going to be located and how will this development affect US-24? How does this development affect the US-24 Study?
The proposed location of the Menard’s is on McCall Road in Manhattan, a quarter-mile north of US-24. This development is anticipated to increase traffic flow on US-24 and McCall Road. Because of these increased traffic demands, there will be a greater need for improvements on McCall Road, including possible widening, new turn lanes and access management. The county is expediting the traffic analysis of McCall Road to allow for the proper design and construction of this development. This means the study team will conduct its analysis of the McCall Road intersection and its connectivity about four to six weeks ahead of the analysis for the remainder of intersections along the US-24 study corridor. This does not affect the overall schedule of the entire study, which is still on track. Knowing that Menard’s is moving into the corridor increases the accuracy of the future land use plan and traffic projections in this area.
10. How is this study being funded?
This $350,000 study is jointly sponsored by the project partners, with the lead agency, Pottawatomie County, providing 20 percent of its costs. KDOT is providing 65 percent, Manhattan is providing 10 percent, and Wamego and St. George are each providing 2.5 percent.