K-7 & Parallel Parkway Work Resumes

Published on February 28, 2023

Construction work has resumed at the intersection of U.S. 73 (K-7) and Parallel Parkway in Wyandotte County after a scheduled winter shutdown.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is carrying out an improvement project that involves grading, concrete resurfacing, and the installation of a Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT) intersection design. This new design restricts left turns and directs traffic to use the U-turn. The RCUT is also referred to as a superstreet, J-turn, reduced intersection, or synchronized street.

According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, studies find the RCUT design has advantages over traditional intersections regarding travel congestion, signal progression, pedestrian crossing and transit service.

Temporary traffic signals will be installed to manage traffic flow during the project, which is divided into four phases, each involving lane reductions and crossovers.

Beginning March 11, northbound and southbound U.S. 73 (K-7) will be reduced to a single lane, from approximately one-half mile north of Parallel Parkway to approximately one-half mile south, and traffic directed to the crossovers. Work will take place Monday through Saturday, from 7 AM to 5 PM.

Impacts to traffic are as follows (Phase 1 of the project has been completed):

• Phase 2 (March – July 2023): single lane traffic will cross over to travel head-to-head on the existing southbound lanes;
• Phase 3 (July – December 2023): single lane traffic will cross over to travel head-to-head on newly constructed northbound lanes;
• Phase 4 (December 2023): lane and shoulder closures during work hours; single lane to be opened at all times.

Traffic will be controlled using portable lane closures, portable message signs, arrow boards, signage and traffic cones.

Miles Excavating, of Basehor, is the contractor for the $11.1 million project, which is scheduled to be completed in December 2023.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone. To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1. Drive safely and always wear your seat belt.