County moves to begin condemnation process for Mission Road safety project

Johnson County staff presented a request on April 17 to begin condemnation proceedings to acquire the rights of way and easements needed for a safety improvement project on Mission Road between Orchard Lane and 170th Terrace.

Ryan Sims, presenting for Johnson County Public Works, said the project will reconstruct Mission Road to fix alignment issues, add six-foot paved shoulders, eliminate dangerous edge drop-offs and improve roadside drainage. Sims told commissioners that 6–9 months of utility relocations must occur before road construction can begin, and that the county’s plan is to construct the safety improvements next spring.

Sims described one area at the north end of the project where three lots sit at a higher elevation adjacent to the roadway. To minimize construction impacts to those properties while improving roadway recoverability, staff said the design will flatten side slopes and incorporate a soil-nail (retaining) wall with a safety fence on top. The wall is intended to reduce the need for long backslopes that would otherwise encroach into yards while still providing a recoverable roadside area for vehicles that leave the pavement.

Commissioners asked to visit the site and to follow up with staff before the board acts; Commissioner Brewer noted staff reduced the acquisition number through earlier discussions. The item was presented for consideration; no final condemnation action was taken during the agenda review, and staff said the item will return for formal action during the business session.