Johnson Drive Project – Metcalf Ave to Lamar.

With the utility relocation phase of the project wrapping up, the full-depth reconstruction of the City’s main roadway and enhancements to the stormwater infrastructure are ready to begin.

Phase One (8/17/26): Inside lanes closed for median removal. No left turns permitted.

Phase Two (8/24/26): Eastbound traffic lanes on the south side of Johnson will be fully closed. Two-way traffic will be maintained on existing westbound lanes.

Phase Three: Storm connection will take place. Broadmoor at Johnson will be closed.

Phase Four: Westbound traffic lanes on the north side of Johnson will be fully closed. Two-way traffic will be maintained on existing eastbound lanes.

Phase Five: Inside lanes closed for median work.

Phase Six: Final roadway surfacing and pavement markings will be installed utilizing flaggers.

Q: Why didn’t work start sooner in the summer?

A: The Johnson Drive project is funded in part with federal funds, which means it must follow specific federal and state requirements. The project had to go through a competitive bidding process and receive approval from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), which oversees federally funded transportation projects in Kansas. In addition, materials needed to be ordered in advance and utility relocations had to be completed before major construction could begin. These steps are necessary to keep the project moving forward and ensure compliance with funding requirements.

Q: Why won’t the project be completed until 2027?

A: This is a significant reconstruction project with approximately 260 working days scheduled for construction. The work includes major stormwater improvements, removal and replacement of pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk improvements, and reconstruction of the medians. The roadway will include a 15-inch concrete base stabilization and rock, followed by 10-inches of asphalt. In addition, construction may be affected by weather, including anticipated winter conditions, which can limit the number of days crews can work. For these reasons, construction is expected to continue into 2027.

Q: Why aren’t bicycle lanes included with this project?

A: Bicycle facilities are already available in the area through the Martway corridor and the Rock Creek Trail. The Johnson Drive project focuses on reconstructing the existing roadway, addressing major stormwater needs, and improving pedestrian and vehicular infrastructure while maintaining the existing bicycle network in the area.

Q: Will the trees that are being removed be replaced?

A: Yes. Approximately 15 trees will need to be removed as part of the project, and 39 new trees will be planted. This will result in a net increase of 24 trees within the project area.

Q: Will there be an increased police presence in the area?

A: We have asked our partners in the Police Department to monitor traffic in the area throughout construction. Please do your part by following all traffic laws, posted signs and speed limits. We also encourage you to allow a few extra minutes for your commute while construction is underway.

Q: Why is the entrance to Horizons High School from Johnson Drive closed?

A: The Johnson Drive entrance to Horizons High School is closed because major stormwater infrastructure is being installed in front of the entrance. During this phase of construction, bus drop-off and pick-up will occur on Lamar Avenue, just south of Johnson Drive. Please follow all traffic laws and use extra caution around school buses.

Q: How do I get to my favorite business along this corridor?

A: The businesses along and near Johnson Drive between Metcalf and Lamar remain open throughout construction, and there are several ways to reach them. Businesses on the south side of Johnson Drive can be accessed from Martway Street, as all side streets off of Martway are open, up to Johnson Drive. For businesses on the north side, Foxridge Drive from 51st Street is a convenient way to access the area. If you’re traveling eastbound on Johnson Drive, you can also take Johnson Drive east to Beverly Drive, turn north to 58th Street, then go west to Lamar Avenue, and then go back west on Johnson Drive.

Q: Who do I contact with questions regarding the project?

A: You can contact the City at 913-676-8375 or email sboyce@missionks.org or bmorton@missionks.org.

5/29/26: The City of Mission is excited to announce that the Johnson Drive Rehabilitation Project was officially awarded by the City Council at the May 27, 2026 council meeting, with construction anticipated to begin in July 2026. The project represents a major investment of more than $12 million into one of the community’s most important transportation corridors.

This investment includes not only City funding, but also significant regional and federal support. The City was awarded a $6 million federal grant along with approximately $1.8 million in Johnson County CARS funding to help make the project possible.

4/27/26: The next phase of utility relocations will require closing eastbound Johnson Drive to thru-traffic at Barkley Street during daytime hours. This is expected to last for around two weeks.

4/4/26: Utility relocations are ongoing, which may lead to lane drops or road closures. The bidding period closes on the 10th, and the City anticipates awarding the contract by the end of April.

1/15/26: WaterOne is completing extensive work on the west end of the corridor between Broadmoor and Metcalf. Drivers can expect traffic shifts and lane reductions during daytime hours for the next week.  

9/15/25: Beginning this week, additional utility relocation work will start along Johnson Drive and is expected to continue through the end of the year.