Gov. Laura Kelly announces new funding for school zone, traffic safety improvements in northeast Kansas

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The State of Kansas is distributing millions in cash towards innovative technology projects to improve road and school safety.

Governor Laura Kelly announced on Tuesday, May 21 that $3.5 million is being awarded to more than a dozen projects in Kansas through the Kansas Department of Transportation's (KDOT) Innovative Technology Program. A significant amount of these funds will go to improving safety for drivers and school children in northeast Kansas.

“My administration is delivering technological advancements to increase transportation safety in every corner of the state,” Kelly said. “Through collaboration with local entities, this investment supports innovative transportation improvements in rural and urban communities.” 

Five projects will receive funds from the $3.5 million pot announced Tuesday. These include the following locations and projects:

• Replacement of school crossing lights and signage
  • City of Rossville, Shawnee County
  • $21,000
• Digital speed sign
  • City of Olsburg, Pottawatomie County
  • $7,500
• Radar speed sign
  • City of Valley Falls, Jefferson County
  • $6,217
• School zone sign enhancement
  • Pottawatomie County
  • $6,000
• Noninvasive barrier repair lightweight system
  • Kansas State University, Riley County
  • $18,682

KDOT's Innovative Technology Program invests money into projects that improve safety, access or mobility and implement new transportation technology. Projects that are usually accepted by the program include aviation and rail upgrades, traffic engineering and school zone enhancements and truck simulators for commercial driver's license program expansion.

“New and emerging technologies offer the potential for a safer, more efficient transportation system,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “This latest round of Innovative Technology projects demonstrates how Kansas communities are proactively turning to technology to improve operations for now and the future.” 

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