De Soto project creates access for new economic development

Local government and business leaders, along with Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed and Clarkson Construction Company, announced substantial completion of the De Soto Local Road Improvements Project in Johnson County with a Dec. 13 ribbon-cutting event. All lanes opened to traffic on Dec. 12.

Key Upgrades

• New curb & gutter for improved drainage and durability

During the 18-month construction period, the project converted more than four miles of two-lane pavement into a divided four-lane concrete roadway with curbs, gutters, bike lanes, sidewalks and lighting. The work area included West 103rd Street between Evening Star Road and the Lexington Avenue/K-10 interchange, and about one half mile of Astra Parkway (formerly Main Avenue) south from West 103rd Street.

• Bike lanes and sidewalks to support active transportation

• Enhanced lighting to improve visibility and safety

As part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the project was the first progressive design-build project undertaken by KDOT. It was delivered in partnership with the City of De Soto and Johnson County to provide the transportation infrastructure improvements necessary to support Panasonic Energy's new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in De Soto.

"This project exemplifies the power of collaboration and teamwork. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible project team and every partner who brought this innovative vision to life," said Bill Clarkson, Jr., CEO of Clarkson Construction. "We were able to shorten the project timeline and ensure that all lanes were opened to traffic in time for Panasonic's grand opening next year."

Panasonic announced the selection of the De Soto site for its factory in July 2022. The factory is the largest economic development project to-date in Kansas history and has been a catalyst for rapid development in the area.

"Our team and our partners deserve immense credit for embracing innovation and understanding the impact of this work for one of the most transformational projects in our state’s history,” said Secretary Reed.

Clarkson's project team included (left to right): Jacob Padgett, Assistant Project Manager; Kate Sweeten, Communications Director; Trevor Fitch, Vice President-Project Delivery; Aaron Shimmel, Vice President-Preconstruction; Bill Clarkson, Jr., CEO; Kevin Kellerman, Senior Project Manager; Billy Clarkson, President; Rick Parrott, General Grading Superintendent; Chad Luedke, DesignBuild Coordinator; Anne Striplin, Project Site Assistant; Ron Hornick, Quality Manager; Bob Branson, Grading Superintendent; and (Not Pictured) Brad Pohlmeier, General Paving Superintendent.

Prime Contractor

Clarkson Construction Company

Subcontractors

Advanced Erosion Solutions, LLC

BHC

Braun Intertec

Collins & Hermann, Inc.

Cooper Construction, LLC

CS Carey, Inc.

Global Earthwork + Underground

Hayes Drilling, Inc.

Heartland Traffic Services

IBC Traffic, Inc.

Kaw Valley Companies

LINC Professional LLC

Miller’s Pro-Cut

Realm Construction, Inc.

RSI

Schrimpf Landscaping

Sosaya Electrical Construction

Sunflower Paving

(Top photo) A view of West 103rd Street and Astra Parkway; (left) Getting started in the construction process; (above) the Dec. 13 ribbon cutting event marking all lanes open to traffic.