July 26, 2006-Meeting w/UPRR, KDOT and Ethanol Group August Ethanol Plant Group breaks ground with Governor

Annual Average Daily Traffic=32 Trains= 17/day

Rolling Hills Rd. US-54

 This concept would cost less than moving US-54.  Plans were developed for this concept, Rolling Hills Road would be closed with this project. Ethanol Plant Avenue A US-54 UPRR Rolling Hills Rd.

 During plant construction a car going south collides with UP train going southwest on Nov. 8, 2006  3 fatalities  FRA requests a review at the crossing, this took place on Mar. 28, 2007; at the review a possible connection road north of the plant was discussed.  Improvements made after review: berm was flattened in NE quadrant, yield sign installed for northbound traffic and crossing was widened.

Projected Annual Average Daily Traffic…4200

 KDOT is advised that the Ethanol group can’t fund their share of the overpass project.  The overpass project plans are to be completed, the overpass project letting moved out 2 years.  KDOT-UPRR initiates crossing signal project at Rolling Hills Road.

The Rolling Hills Rd. crossing and roadway was widened an additional 10 feet, the power pole in the southeast quadrant was removed and the southeast radius was improved.

 Industries that develop an area should be responsible up front to provide transportation improvements or funds for these transportation improvements.  This should include at least 50% plans of the improvement prior to construction beginning on the industry.  The reality of this happening with this particular industry and the political issues surrounding this industry may make this difficult.