Figuring out the need for new roads, traffic signals and other transportation improvements near Sixth Street and the South Lawrence Trafficway will be the subject of a public meeting next week.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will host a public meeting to receive input on a transportation plan for the 1.5 mile area along Sixth Street/U.S. Highway 40 between George Williams Way and East 800 Road. The open house-style meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Langston Hughes School, 1101 George Williams Way.

The city, the county and the state are teaming up to complete the $100,000 study in order to ensure that traffic continues to move smoothly in the area as development increases, KDOT officials said in a statement. The study will examine possible improvements to existing roads, potential right-of-way purchases for future roads, and issues related to business and residential access points along the corridor.

Lawrence-based BG Consultants is providing the engineering work for the study. Engineers at the meeting will present several concepts, and state officials will be seeking public comment on draft recommendations.

The final report is expected to be completed by late spring.