Lansing authorizes mayor to ask state to accelerate K‑5 safety and modernization work

The Lansing City Council on Sept. 25 authorized Mayor Anthony R. McNeil to sign a letter to Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Reid requesting that KDOT accelerate safety and modernization improvements on Kansas Highway 5.

Staff told the council KDOT presently has a $35,000,000 allocation for improvements to K‑5, with a proposed timeline of 2031–2032. Council members and staff cited safety‑related incidents along K‑5 as the reason for urging an accelerated schedule. The motion authorizing the mayor’s signature passed by roll call.

In discussion, council members asked whether other local municipalities were sending similar letters. Staff said they were not certain and that either the local development corporation (LCDC) or the Port Authority was trying to convene area governments to set regional advocacy priorities. A councilmember said staff had been briefing cities and requesting they submit supporting letters.

The council did not identify additional funding commitments or change the KDOT allocation; the action was limited to authorizing the mayor’s signature on an advocacy letter.