5 DOT Projects We’re Designing Right Now

For years, we’ve collaborated with Departments of Transportation on infrastructure improvements. Through these partnerships, we’ve honed our ability to deliver designs that meet their standards and expectations. Because of our team’s experience and dedication, we have several projects currently in the works with DOT’s. Learn more about just a few of the projects we’re designing below.

K-68 Expansion Project – Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)
With increased traffic and funding secured through the IKE program, KDOT is ready to begin their planned expansion of K-68. The new design, which has been in development for years, will convert the 2-lane highway into a 4-lane, divided, asphalt expressway. Our team conducted the preliminary engineering study and was selected to design the project.

Enhancing traffic flow has been a crucial aspect of this project. For this site, our work extends beyond the highway itself. Direct driveway access will be eliminated in favor of side roads connecting to K-68. In addition, two new bridges will be constructed over North Wea Creek. The existing bridge over Wea Creek will be replaced to accommodate westbound traffic, while a new bridge will be built for the eastbound lanes. Hydraulic analysis has been performed for both bridges.

Route HH and I-29 Intersection – Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
At the Route HH and I-29 intersection, the off-ramp from southbound I-29 leads directly into a two-way frontage road at the intersection of Vine Street. This creates confusion, causing some to drive the wrong way down the street. MoDOT wanted to address this issue and increase safety.

We began by conducting a topographic survey. Mobile LiDAR was used to gather data in this high traffic area. Then, our design team conducted a conceptual study. They examined seven different options and ultimately decided to construct a roundabout at Vine Street. This would eliminate the opportunity for cars to go the wrong way. In addition, MoDOT will be making improvements to the northbound I-29 ramps and repairing a slide on the south side of Route HH.

Route J – MoDOT
To increase traffic flow and improve the safety of Route J, our team was tasked with planning, designing, and coordinating improvements at multiple intersections along the corridor. Our design plan covers these Cass County intersections, which span from Route 58 to I-49 on Route J: Lucy Webb Road, Hubach Hill Road, 195th Street, 203rd Street, and 211th Street. Our solution includes intersection enhancements, storm drainage upgrades, and utility coordination.

Examples of intersection enhancements include the addition of new turn lanes and the construction of a roundabout at Route J and Hubach Hill Road. Additionally, we will complete the design of new box culverts under the roadway. These improvements are aimed at increasing the traffic flow and safety of the corridor.

US-75 and K-9 Traffic Study – KDOT
KDOT wanted to address safety concerns, like poor sight distance and near-miss crashes, at the intersection of US-75 and K-9 in Jackson County, Kansas. To assess the current state, they asked our team to conduct a traffic study.

We were responsible for collecting traffic volume and speed data at the intersection. The volumes were then projected to a future 20-year time frame. The data collected was used to develop a list of low, medium, and high-cost options to improve safety and operations at the intersection. At least two preliminary layouts were prepared for each. Those were given to KDOT for review, along with a planning level construction cost estimate and benefit/cost analysis, in a report. After KDOT’s review, we are moving forward with the turn lane additions and moving towards final design of the project.

K-236 Nemaha County Bridge over Harris Creek – KDOT
KDOT needed to replace the drainage structure on K-236 Highway over Harris Creek. To help them achieve their goal, we had to address three issues with our design plans – improve the condition of the existing bridge, eliminate overtopping, and maintain traffic during construction.

For this effort, our team completed the bridge and alignment survey, road profile, bridge hydraulic sizing, and the Discovery Report for this bridge replacement. Due to the unique features of the area, a 2D HEC-RAS model was used to better capture the confluence point currently carried by the RCB. The replacement structure will be a phased 36-42-36-foot Reinforced Concrete Haunched Slab (RCSH).