County outlines ARC‑95 southern corridor plan; bridge over Arkansas River would need federal/state grants
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Summary
Transportation staff described the ARC‑95 Arkansas River crossing concept and related southern corridor parkway, presenting a preliminary cost estimate of roughly $62–75 million for the river/rail/road bridge and a phased program of smaller local projects that the county can fund locally.
County transportation staff briefed the commission on long‑range planning for a West–East southern corridor and a proposed Arkansas River crossing at 95th Street ("ARC 95"). The project grew from the South Area Transportation Study (SATS) and related plans; staff said the corridor is intended to relieve east–west constraints, add an Arkansas River crossing, and support regional development.
Key elements presented included: an interchange concept (SPUI) to remove left turns from K‑15, a potential KTA interchange to provide Derby access, a proposed twin‑bridge strategy (initial two lanes with room to expand), and a sketch of phase‑1 (major bridge/river crossing) vs phase‑2 (incremental local road improvements). Staff estimated the bridge/river crossing component would likely be in the $62–75 million range and would require federal and state grant funding; the county reported a recent $3 million congressional allocation that will support preliminary NEPA and design work.
Staff urged early protective overlays and coordination with partner cities (Derby, Haysville, Mulvane, Clearwater, Rose Hill) so future development does not preclude the corridor.
Why it matters: ARC‑95 is a major multi‑jurisdictional infrastructure move that will shape the county'030 transportation network and requires grant‑level financing to proceed.
Next steps: protective overlay drafting, NEPA and preliminary engineering funded by initial grants and partner city contributions, and continued pursuit of state and federal grants for the bridge.
