Public hearing opportunities available for South Lawrence Trafficway

Kevin PowellCity, Construction, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Municipal Services and Operations

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a Public Hearing, with virtual components, to provide comments on the Identified Preferred Alternative for the South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT) project. They have released the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for public review. The public comment period is April 26 through June 21, 2021.

The Public Hearing will provide an overview of the project and present the draft preferred alternatives as part of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). Participants will have the opportunity to submit comments to the project team.

The public can attend an in-person Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Baker University Wetland Discover Center. There will be a presentation during each of the time slots and an opportunity to leave verbal comments with a Court Reporter, who will document them. To follow social distancing guidelines, participants must reserve a time slot. Click here to sign up.

With health and safety in mind, in addition to the in-person Public Hearing, KDOT and FHWA are offering multiple opportunities for participants to review the information and provide comments:

  • A Live Virtual Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will include a presentation followed by an opportunity to leave verbal comments for the team. Visit the project website for event details.
  • A Virtual Open House will be available at www.slt-ks.org during the comment period for participants to view the materials online and submit comments through an electronic comment form.  Click here for direct access.
  • The Draft SEIS Report will be available online as well as at the Lawrence Public Library and City of Lawrence City Hall, Public Works Office and Douglas County Public Works Office for the 45-day comment period.  Click here to review online. 

All opportunities will provide the same content and review the information from the Draft SEIS document which will provide information on the Identified Preferred Alternative and how it was evaluated. After the conclusion of the meetings, a summary of questions and comments will be posted on the project website.

The purpose of the SEIS is to evaluate options for improving the SLT, including review of reasonable alternatives that will enhance safety and improve congestion while supporting its use as a thriving corridor for the City of Lawrence and the surrounding region.

Visit www.slt-ks.org for full details and to sign up for project updates, including direct links and opportunities to provide your input!

If you need special assistance, would like to sign up for the in-person meeting, request a hard copy version or would like to discuss with a project team member please contact Kelsey Heavin at 816-527-2468 or info@slt-ks.org.