Let’s begin this week with streets as they are always a “hot” topic. There are certain streets in Junction City and in many other Kansas communities that are also Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Connecting Links. These fall in 2 groups. In one, are the Highways of Interstate 70, US 77, K-18 west of 77 to the City limits and K-57 from the City limits to the intersection of 18th Street and Jackson. These run within the City limits but are totally maintained by KDOT. The City does maintain the traffic lights, but mowing is within the KDOT right of Way and is done at their direction. They also set the speed limits. We often get complaints about the speed limit on 77 in the Ash and McFarland area. The City has no control of that.
The other connecting links are highways in the City, but the maintenance is done by the City with funds the City receives from KDOT. These include Washington Street from the Interstate to 6th Street and then east to the City limits as Business 40; and then 18th Street from Jackson and 18th street to Washinton and then south on Washington to 6th and Washington. Each year the City receives $5,000 per lane mile in funding from the State. (One mile of 4 lane equates to 4 lane miles). The bridge on East Sixth is part of a connecting link and the replacement is done in full by KDOT. (We have not heard when it will be competed, but still be told later this summer. Would love to be wrong on that one). When the City needs to do a major project on a connecting link, such as a mill and overlay, the City applies and has received Connecting Link grant funds which cover 90% of the cost. The City will be applying for more of these funds this year for projects on Washington Street.
The downside on a Connecting Link is that KDOT has some control in issues such as curb cuts, signs, and where traffic signals are located. Some of you may remember a Stop Light at 10th and Washington. KDOT took it out due to their traffic counts. It may be difficult to ever get them to agree to putting one back at that location. The other one we hear much about is the need for a traffic signal at Washington and Ash. Yes, it has been asked for more than once, but KDOT does not agree so far. I am sure the City will continue to request that and even a resident down the street from that intersection has reached out to KDOT on behalf of the City. I am sure KDOT would be more than happy to allow the City to end that Connecting Link agreement, however would the loss of funding be wise? KDOT funds now allow local funds to be used elsewhere.
We have received word that the replacement of the roundabout at Washington Street and Interstate 70 will be started in late June. By that time, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will have opened the west bound “off” ramps at Grandview Plaza and Chestnut Street. The closing of those ramps has had a toll on some businesses, but KDOT has no other choice as they make much needed improvements on I-70. The roundabout I mentioned will not be made any bigger due to the area but will be smoother and easier to travel around. Hopefully it will have a 20-to-25-year life span.
I have seen some posts regarding sewer rates. The amount of each bill for sewer is based on the amount of water that goes through the City water meter, however for residential customers it is the average monthly water use for 3 winter months where there is no “outside” watering. For new customers without a winter usage history, a City average for residences is used the first year. Commercial customers are charged based on the amount of water used, but some have a separate meter for “irrigation” and subsequentially are not charged for sewer.
Another comment I have seen is that the price of water varies during the day. No, the price per gallon is the same 24/7. For those who want to follow their water use, just call Customer Service and they can sign you up on a portal where you can be view your usage. The City only bills once a month, but the meters record a reading each hour. A good service that you all have access to.