Millions in federal funds to reduce fatal traffic crashes in rural Kansas • Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA – Ten Kansas counties are set to receive millions in federal funding to improve local road safety and efficiency.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced Thursday that $6.65 million in federal funding will be awarded to 10 projects selected from 46 applications. Haskell, Linn, Ottawa, Phillips, Sedgwick, Seward and Shawnee counties all received federal funding for these rural road improvement projects.

“Our highways are important to the local and state economy,” Kelly said. “Programs like this allow commerce to flow smoothly and improve safety for Kansas families traveling through our state.”

The project is financed by the Kansas Department of Transportation High Risk Rural Highway Program. The state effort is funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program. Federal assistance to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on public roads.

Over the past 13 years, KDOT HRRR funds have been focused on reducing collisions with fixed objects – one of the most common types of fatal road traffic accidents in rural areas. To this end, KDOT has prioritized projects that focus on cost-effective Preventive measures such as the installation of rumble strips, increased signage, guard rails and other road barriers.

Among other things, Linn will receive $370,000 to install pavement markings, hazard markings and signs on a portion of Route 1095. Phillips will receive $525,000 to improve signage on 154 miles of rural roads east of US 183. Seward will receive $775,000 to extend four culverts and build roadsides and other improvements. Haskell has $270,000 for signage improvements.

“These funds will help our rural partners improve road safety through cost-effective and proven countermeasures,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed.