Committee advances bill to name K‑10/Wakarusa interchange for KDOT engineer Chris Norton

The Kansas House Committee on Transportation heard and advanced House Bill 22-63, which would designate a future interchange on K‑10 Highway at Wakarusa Drive in Douglas County as the Chris Norton Memorial Interchange. Committee staff said the designation would apply to the interchange constructed as part of the K‑10 expansion project and that signs would not be placed until statutory financial requirements are met. Provisions would take effect July 1, 2025 if enacted.

Calvin Reid, speaking as a KDOT employee and private citizen, urged the committee to approve the designation. Reid described Norton as a respected engineer whose work “was felt across the state in the hundreds of projects he designed and managed,” and recounted Norton’s “thoughtful, empathetic and practical” approach to public engagement.

Family members of Chris Norton — including Derek Norton, Will Norton, Susie Norton and Brett Norton — addressed the committee. Susie Norton said the designation “meant so much to him” and described swift community fundraising; she said the family raised about $15,000 in roughly 10 days to cover required costs.

Jordan Herbert, a licensed professional engineer with HNTB Corporation and project manager for the Kansas Department of Transportation’s South Lawrence Trafficway project, said Norton was central to moving the project forward and advocated for design changes that reduced impacts on nearby residents. Retired KDOT official Dan Shurslik told the committee Norton was “worthy” of the recognition and recalled Norton’s mentorship and long service.

Committee members discussed costs. Committee staff noted a fiscal estimate “around $10,000” in the written fiscal note. During questions, a committee member read a figure of $99,020 as a KDOT expenditure; Calvin Reid said that memorial-sign costs typically include installation and long‑term maintenance and that the family had raised funds the committee was told would cover required deposits. Committee staff also referenced KSA 68-10-114 as the statute that governs costs and deposits for highway sign designation and placement.

Representative Proctor moved to suspend the rules to consider the bill immediately; the committee did so, then moved HB 22-63 out of committee favorably. Several members asked that their votes be recorded as yes in the committee record. Committee members noted extensive written proponent testimony on the bill and invited the family to remain in case the committee took emergency action later in the session.

If enacted, the designation would be placed on the constructed interchange and signs would be installed only after the statute’s funding and maintenance conditions are met.