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Commission lowers speed limit on North Kickapoo, adds two four-way stops to address safety
Summary
After staff review and citizen requests, the commission approved reducing the speed limit on North Kickapoo Avenue and converting two intersections to four-way stops; staff said the corridor is expected to see more traffic as nearby subdivisions and a new plant begin operation.
The Shawnee City Commission approved a staff recommendation to reduce the speed limit on North Kickapoo Avenue from 45 mph to 35 mph between West Deck Road and Garris Lake Road and to convert two intersections—North Kickapoo & Wolverine Road and North Kickapoo & Garris Lake Road—into four-way stops.
Seth Barkheimer, the city’s director of engineering, said the item followed multiple citizen requests and staff evaluation. He referenced new residential developments (Trails Inn, Heritage Plains), the opening of a George Fisher plant and growth at North Rock Creek schools as factors that will increase traffic along the corridor. Barkheimer said staff found 17 accidents in the last four years at the two intersections proposed for four-way stops and recommended the signage and flashing-solar beacons to warn drivers.
Barkheimer said the city has applied for a grant to perform a corridor traffic study that would analyze current levels of service and project future needs, which could include widening or turn lanes depending on the study’s recommendations.
Commissioners voted to adopt the changes; the clerk recorded the vote as 5–1 in favor.
Why it matters: The measures aim to address safety ahead of traffic increases from nearby housing developments and industry. Staff will follow up with a traffic study to determine whether further capital projects are needed.
