To the editor:

My husband and I attended the recent information session the Kansas Department of Transportation hosted regarding the proposed closure of Kasold Drive where it intersects the South Lawrence Trafficway. Every attendee with whom we spoke favored, as do we, the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection, thus keeping it open.

We believe KDOT must do something to slow traffic coming from a four-lane road onto a two-lane. A traffic signal at Kasold — especially if a sign is installed at the west end of the bridge flashing “red light ahead” when the light is red — will serve to do that. The sign, even when not flashing, will make motorists aware of the upcoming intersection.

The proposal to place a stop light on heavily traveled four-lane Highway 59 at the intersection of County Road 458, if Kasold is closed, makes no sense. That signal will cost $100,000 more than a signal at Kasold.

When the western leg of the bypass is four-lane, KDOT will likely replace any traffic signals with bridges. As frequent travelers to Topeka and Rock Chalk Park, we will be daily impacted by two traffic signals on the SLT or one signal at Highway 59 and 458, whichever option KDOT chooses. To us, the inconvenience of two traffic signals on a nearly 15-mile road is well worth the convenience of keeping the intersection at Kasold open.

Ray and I hope KDOT agents listen to the wishes of the people who will have to live with their decision.