LENEXA, KS (KCTV) -
Drivers at a busy Johnson County interchange could see some relief with the help of a unique type of interchange, a first for Kansas.
If anyone travels the stretch of 95th Street near Interstate 35, they know the intersection gets congested quickly.
Transportation officials are trying to change that with a diverging diamond, like the one that traffic flowing across the stateline at I-435 and Front Street.
"The intersection right now is very congested," Lenexa transportation manager Steve Schooley said.
The area is congested because businesses line 95th Street. The stretch is also used as a connector to a Oak Park Mall and a business park.
"As you approach the interchange at this point you go through a traffic signal and cross over to the other side," Schooley said.
Schooley said one main benefit of a diverging diamond is smoother left turns.
"That traffic stacks up and creates congestion problems. The diverging diamond makes that so it it's not a problem because they are not driving against the opposing traffic," he said.
The design will be easy for drivers to adapt to, Schooley said.
"You do drive on the wrong side of the road. However, one of the key factors of that is there is a major barrier between the directions of traffic so you don't actually realize you are driving on the wrong side of the road," he said.
The city will hold a public meeting at the Lenexa Community Center on Oak Street in the AB Room from 5-8 p.m.
After public comment, design recommendations will be made to city council members who will decide if they will approve the change.
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