Regional leaders discuss US‑24 corridor update and cost‑benefit study for second river crossing

Metropolitan Planning Organization and KDOT representatives briefed Riley County, Manhattan and Pottawatomie County officials on a two‑part proposal: (1) update the US‑24 Corridor Plan across the region and (2) run a cost‑benefit analysis of alternative second‑crossing options to connect Manhattan and Blue Township.

Flint Hills MPO staff said the corridor update would reassess existing projects and add study segments ranging from the airport area through Manhattan and north toward U.S. 77. A separate cost‑benefit analysis would model multiple crossing options — including improvements to existing roads and multiple bridge alignments — to provide factual cost estimates and traffic‑diversion projections rather than rely on speculation.

"The goal is to find out what we can afford at the end," the MPO presenter said, describing how a matrix of costs, traffic forecasts and environmental impacts would inform a regional decision.

KDOT staff said the agency has set aside state funds and that early planning shows a corridor study could be funded if local jurisdictions share project costs. The MPO estimated the standalone cost‑benefit analysis at roughly $150,000 (local share about $50,000 if split among jurisdictions); a full corridor update at a larger scale could require significantly more local match depending on scope.

Representatives asked that each jurisdiction confirm whether it will participate and, if so, which segments or studies it will fund. Commissioners and municipal officials discussed asking staff to prepare a funding matrix and said they would return with formal positions so the MPO and KDOT can prepare memoranda of understanding and work scopes.