Dodge City Intersection Improvement
Project description
The Dodge City intersection improvement project will rebuild the U.S. 56/U.S. 283/U.S. 400/2nd Avenue intersection into a roundabout to serve current and future traffic demands. Traffic volumes are expected to increase at this location due to new developments such as the state-of-the-art Hilmar Cheese facility being constructed in the southeast quadrant of the intersection.
The results from a Traffic Impact Study, commissioned by Ford County and Dodge City, showed a roundabout with two oversized load bypass legs in the southern two quadrants of the intersection as a preferred alternative. Since then, KDOT hired a consultant to do additional analysis and they confirmed a single-lane roundabout at this location would provide the best level of service and operations for future traffic demands.
Also happening in the area is a resurfacing project that will extend from the 112 Road/ U.S. 56/400 intersection one mile south to the intersection of 112 Road/Outlaw Road and then extend one mile west to the U.S. 283/Outlaw Road intersection. County roads within the resurfacing project will be closed intermittently as needed as construction progresses.
Roundabout Design with Bypass Lanes
Planned Construction Phasing
Short video courtesy of Florida DOT YouTube
Project frequently asked questions
The Hilmar Cheese Company is planning a state-of-the-art cheese and whey protein processing facility near this intersection that will bring nearly 250 new jobs and additional capital investments to the area.
The City and County applied for program funds requesting improvements to nearby county roads and improved intersection access to support the high number of employees, milk trucks and various shipping and delivery needs. Without improvements, the current intersection design (a 4-way stop) would not be able to keep up which would lead to long delays and safety concerns for drivers at peak hours.
This project is scheduled to begin Monday, March 6. No significant traffic delays are expected. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of December, weather permitting.
Modern roundabouts also are designed to accommodate vehicles of all sizes, including emergency vehicles, buses, and truck and trailer combinations. The central island of many roundabouts includes a truck apron, this is a raised section of concrete that provides extra space for large vehicles to maneuver. The back wheels of the oversize vehicle can ride up on the truck apron so the truck can easily complete the turn, while the raised portion of concrete discourages use by smaller vehicles.
The Dodge City roundabout design will include two diagonal bypass lanes in the southwest and southeast corners of the intersection. These bypass lanes will be restricted to oversize vehicles that require a special oversize-overweight (OS/OW) load permit to travel within the State of Kansas. They have been designed to accommodate wind turbines.
Typical two-lane intersections have 24 points of conflict (places where potential traffic crashes can occur) and four-lane intersections have 32 points of conflict. Roundabouts have 8 points of conflict, which reduces the possible locations of a crash by 66% to 75%.
Studies have found roundabouts built at intersections along high-speed, two-lane rural highways reduced overall crashes by up to 68% and injury crashes by 88%. (Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) publication on Roundabouts & Rural Highways; July 2020.)
Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic, which is especially helpful for large trucks. Unlike intersections with traffic signals, drivers don’t have to stop and wait for a green light to travel through the intersection. Traffic is not required to stop – only yield – at a roundabout so the intersection can handle more vehicles and keep travelers moving. While space restraints sometimes affect where a roundabout can be used, they are found to be appropriate at many intersections and can safely handle large amounts of traffic.
The project is 100% funded with state dollars through KDOT’s Safety/Intersection Improvement Program. The current estimated roundabout project cost is $8.6 million. Local road improvements underway to serve the Hilmar Cheese facility are estimated to cost $9.6 million.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) in partnership with the City of Dodge City and Ford County are partnering to deliver the project.
Project Details
| Project Name | Dodge City Intersection Improvement in Ford County |
| Project Number | KA-6526-02 |
| Location | U.S. 56/U.S. 283/U.S. 400/2nd Avenue intersection |
| Description | Rebuild or reconfigure the U.S. 56/U.S. 283/U.S. 400/2nd Avenue intersection to serve current and future projected traffic demands |
| Length | Intersection |
| Construction Cost Estimate | $8.6 million - 100% funded with state dollars through KDOT’s Safety/Intersection Improvement Program |
MATERIALS
Information presented at the May 17, 2022, public meeting is available below.
This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or phone 785-296-3585, (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Public Meetings
- Date - May. 17, 2022
- Time - 4:30pm to 7:00pm
- Location - Dodge City Public Schools USD 443 Civic Center VIP Room, 2112 1st Avenue, in Dodge City
- Public Comment Period - May. 17, 2022 to May. 27, 2022
- Agenda - The public was invited to attend a public meeting for the U.S. 56/U.S. 283/U.S. 400/2nd Avenue intersection improvement project just south of Dodge City on Tuesday, May 17, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Dodge City Public Schools USD 443 Civic Center VIP Room, 2112 1st Avenue, in Dodge City. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) hosted the event. The meeting allowed attendees to review the proposed intersection improvements, provide input and speak one-on-one with project staff. There were no formal presentation, and attendees could come and go at any time during the meeting. This project is currently in the design phase. Information presented at the meeting has been made available online for those unable to attend. The public was invited to submit comments online beginning May 17 through May 27.
Who to Contact
Yazmin Moreno
KDOT Public Affairs Manager
620-765-7080
yazmin.moreno@ks.gov
Ron Hall
Southwest District Engineer
620-765-7074
ron.hall@ks.gov