This project was listed as high priority in the Transportation Master Plan. It will help fill a missing link of a major arterial roadway and provide a key connection from I-35 to K-7.

Additionally, this extension will:

• Improve traffic flow for northern Olathe
• Provide an above-grade crossing at the BNSF railroad
• Reduce congestion on adjacent arterials

In October of 2022, the City of Olathe submitted this grant application to the Federal Rail Administration’s (FRA) Railroad Crossing Elimination Program.

More information regarding the Federal Rail Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program can be found on their website, including their project selections.

It was announced in June of 2023 that the City will be awarded FRA funds from this program. Should the City accept these funds, it would require the closure of Woodland Rd north of Northgate at the BNSF railroad tracks.

The City has not yet received, nor reached an agreement with the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) for the potential Woodland closure as a part of our 119th Street extension project. City Staff are still at the very beginning of the process with the FRA representatives. City Council action will still be required to approve any agreement with the FRA, including acceptance of these funds.

East/west travel in Olathe remains a top citizen priority that the City of Olathe is continuously working to improve. The 119th St. extension project will improve east/west traffic flow and safety while creating a train free route in Olathe. This funding will help this critical project across the finish line, overcoming rising construction costs due to inflation.

The western BNSF railroad tracks in Olathe are some of the busiest tracks in the country, with between 68 and 88 trains passing through per day. Eliminating an at-grade crossing at Woodland Road and replacing it with the 119th Street flyover connection will ensure Olathe residents have a reliable, consistent, safe, and train-free route for north/south travel while providing another east/west connection for the City.

For more information, view the Olathe City Council presentation from June 20, 2023.

Additionally, the City hosted a public meeting on August 10, 2023, to answer questions regarding this proposed closure. The City distributed exhibits discussing the proposed Woodland Closure, the fact this closure would not impact existing school boundaries, showing proposed pedestrian connectivity to Gary Haller Trail access along Northgate, location of the proposed Fire Station that will improve emergency service to this area along with the 119^th Street connection, and estimated additional travel times the corridor could anticipate based on the proposed closure.

The City will continue to evaluate alternatives to address resident feedback received as we move through the process with the FRA. Project updates will continue to be posted as they are available. It is not anticipated there will be any major updates on the FRA process until we are well into 2024.

Update: Per the February 21, 2024 Update under the Project Updates tab, City Council has authorized Staff to move forward without the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) funding. As a result, the Woodland Crossing will not be a part of the 119^th Street project, and the Woodland Rd. crossing will remain open.

119th & Woodland Intersection Closure FAQ

Project Overview

As shared at our public meeting in December 2024 and posted to this webpage, the intersection at 119th & Woodland closed on June 2, 2025, for a major reconstruction project. The closure is expected to last approximately 5 months.

Why is the intersection closed?
We’re completely rebuilding the intersection to connect to the new 119th Street to improve traffic flow and safety. The changes include:
•New turn lanes and widened roads
•Adjusted alignment and elevation
•New underground utilities (stormwater, waterline)
•Retaining walls, sidewalks, streetlights, fiber, and traffic signals

Due to the steep terrain and scale of work, there is no safe way to keep part of the road open during construction to public traffic.

What about the train tracks at Woodland & Northgate?

We know this is a big concern. When a train stops at the BNSF tracks near Northgate, it can block neighborhood access – especially now that 119th Street & Woodland Road is also closed.

To help:
•The City coordinated with BNSF to put a “Form C 2068” in place. This helps prevent trains from stopping and blocking traffic.
•Even so, the City understands we have had two significant train stoppages since the road closed (50 minutes on June 16 and 21 minutes on July 6).
•In both cases, the City followed up with BNSF directly.

What if there’s an emergency?
Your safety is our top priority. Here’s what’s in place:
•Our contractor leaves an emergency path through the site each night.
•Emergency responders have a 24/7 contact number for the contractor.
•If a train blocks the tracks and City staff are present, they’ll help residents through the construction zone if possible.
•As always, in an emergency dial 911.

What’s the City doing to help?
•Keeping emergency access open 24/7.
•Monitoring traffic cameras to watch for train stoppages.
•Staying in direct contact with BNSF.
•Keeping residents informed through website updates.
•Ensuring the contractor stays on track with the project timeline.

In Summary
We understand this closure is frustrating. Unfortunately, there’s no way to complete the improvements safely without closing the intersection. We're doing everything we can to minimize the disruption and make sure emergency access is always available.
Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our roads!

As of December 2024, construction has begun. Please expect to see construction traffic, materials, equipment, and most importantly – construction activity on-site. The City will post updates to the project website throughout construction. We will also post any traffic impacts as a part of this work to our Road Closures & Construction Projects website.

December 9, 2025 Update

November 18, 2025 Update

Bridge progress is happening on-site! Our construction team made the first bridge concrete deck pour today on the east side of our bridges.

Work also continues on the west side of the project between Lone Elm and Woodland. Restoration is happening, with sod being laid around each intersection. Additionally, traffic signal installation is in full swing. We anticipate testing the signal at the Lone Elm intersection in early December, and allowing it to handle traffic after a successful test period. Signal installation at Woodland will follow the Lone Elm work, with a new signal at Iowa following the Woodland intersection.

Our Contractors are making great progress, and we are on track for completion in early 2027.

October 27, 2025 Update

The 119th Street and Woodland Road intersection will be open to traffic, and detour signs will be removed by the end of Monday, October 27, 2025.

All intersections along 119th Street from Lone Elm Road to Woodland Road are now open to drivers. However, construction work will continue in the area through the end of the year. New traffic signal equipment has started arriving, and crews will be busy installing new signals at the Lone Elm, Iowa, and Woodland intersections.

The remaining work on this section of 119^th Street for 2025 includes pavement striping, restoration items, and the installation of traffic signals and streetlights. Drivers can expect lane closures, flaggers, and construction vehicles in the area. Please plan for caution and possible delays along 119th Street from west of Lone Elm to Woodland while this work continues.

As mentioned in previous updates, we expect substantial completion of this portion of the project by the end of 2025.

Bridge construction is also moving forward. Crews have installed bridge beams for the eastern halves of both the westbound and eastbound bridges, and work on the bridge decks has begun. This work will continue, weather permitting, through the winter months.

The entire project is still on track for completion in early 2027.

October 9, 2025 Update

September 29, 2025 Update

September brought favorable weather, and work is progressing along the 119^th Street corridor, Lone Elm to Woodland.

We are currently on schedule to open the 119th Street and Woodland Road intersection to traffic by the end of October 2025.

Street surfacing operations are planned to start in early October, with a new asphalt surface to be installed on 119^th Street from west of Lone Elm to the Woodland intersection.

Please note that our contractor will continue work along the 119th Street corridor—from Lone Elm Road to Woodland Road—even after the 119^th Street and Woodland Road intersection is reopened.

While the intersection is expected to be open to traffic by the end of October, installation of the traffic signals will follow at Lone Elm, Iowa, and Woodland. We are currently awaiting delivery of the necessary signal equipment, which is expected to arrive in early November 2025.

We still anticipate substantial completion of this segment of the project by the end of 2025.

Overall project completion is still scheduled for early 2027.

Please continue to observe all road closure signage on-site, continue to reference our FAQ Page for the 119^th & Woodland closure, and travel with caution through the construction zone as we work to make every effort to make progress with our improvements.

September 18, 2025 Update

August 29, 2025 Update

Work is continuing to progress in the project corridor along 119^th from the Lone Elm intersection to the closure at Woodland. Residents can expect to see a greater impact to traffic as mill and overlay operations will start Tuesday, September 2. This work will include removal of the existing street surface, repairs to necessary sections of the street, followed by installation of a new street surface. This work is a continuation of improvements in preparation of opening the Woodland intersection to traffic by the end of October 2025.

Intersection improvements will continue to be ongoing after October 2025 under traffic. New traffic signal equipment delivery is now slated for the beginning of November for new signalized intersections at Lone Elm, Iowa, and Woodland. Our contractor is working to complete improvements behind curb at the Lone Elm and Iowa intersections in preparation of the new signal deliveries. The completely rebuilt intersection of Woodland is progressing. Please continue to reference our FAQ Page for this closure as we continue to work on these improvements.

Bridge work is continuing in full swing. Our contractor is currently working to complete all bridge sub structure items, with bridge columns very visible on-site. Cranes have arrived in preparation of concrete bridge beam installation, which may begin as early as September 2025.

Please continue to practice safe driving habits, observe signage, and be aware of construction workers and equipment as mill & overlay work begins from Lone Elm to Woodland.

July 10, 2025 Update

June 16, 2025 Update

Prior to the 119^th and Woodland closure beginning in June, City staff worked with BNSF regarding train traffic during this closure. As a result of that collaboration, BNSF issued a “Form C 2068” within their organization for the Woodland crossing, which is what they issue to help prevent unnecessary train stoppages at a crossing location.

While this won’t fully guarantee a train will not stop, every effort and communication were made to prevent a stoppage.

Should residents wish to report a stoppage directly to BNSF, they may do so by calling 1-800-832-5452, and referencing crossing number 006143T.

Additionally, residents may contact BNSF through their website using their online contact form at: BNSF Contact Form.

The City plans to actively monitor the Woodland crossing through our Traffic Infrastructure system and will continue to follow up directly with BNSF for any stoppages at this location.

Additionally, City Staff have coordinated with City Police and Fire Departments to ensure they can contact our contractor 24/7 for emergency access through the 119^th & Woodland closure in the event of a train stoppage.

We appreciate any patience and understanding as we work to complete these critical infrastructure improvements as safely and efficiently as possible.

The City plans to close the 119th and Woodland intersection on Monday, June 2, for an estimated 5-month duration through the end of October 2025, to construct intersection improvements at this location. The City has requested BNSF keep the Woodland crossing clear of stopped trains on the tracks at the Woodland intersection during this closure to the best of their ability, and our Contractor understands emergency services may need access thru the construction zone should trains come to a stop on the tracks. This closure has also been communicated to the school district. The City will post a detour route on-site for thru traffic.

We currently have increased contractor presence on the west side of the project at the intersections of 119th and Lone Elm/Iowa/Woodland as we work to complete intersection improvements in 2025. Storm sewer installation is currently underway at these intersections. Turn lane construction and base asphalt operations are also underway at each intersection. Expect delays to traffic and flagging operations along 119th as construction equipment will cause impacts to traffic flow. Retaining wall replacement along 119th west of the Iowa intersection is ongoing, and may be complete by the end of June.

Grading operations are active on both the west and east side of the bridge, with construction access present at 119th & Woodland on the west, and 119th and Northgate on the east. Substantial progress has been made on the drilled shaft installations for bridge piers, nearing completion on the east side of the project. Drilled shaft work is ongoing on the west side of the project, and will continue on-site as we progress into June. Bridge column work has begun, with bridge columns clearly visible on the east side of the project. Our Contractor has nearly completed the bridge abutment on the east side of the project, which also features a retaining wall.

May 5, 2025 Update

March 12, 2025 Update

Construction is ongoing and picking up activity with our weather improving. In the video, you can see clear construction activity and preliminary bridge construction on both the east and west side of BNSF. On the east side near 119th/Northgate, evidence of bridge construction can be seen with the first bridge columns visible on site. We have also started drilling bridge substructure on the west side of BNSF on the Woodland side, with water line relocation work also ongoing on the west side. The Contractor continues to establish project limits, clearing and grading work, and preparation of the new 119th road alignment between Woodland and 119th. Residents should also expect to see a heavier construction presence along the 119th corridor on the west side of the project at intersections (Lone Elm, Iowa, Woodland). Storm sewer materials have been stored at intersections, in preparation of contractor work behind existing curb lines over the next couple months. Near the end of the video, you can see an example of these concrete storm structure materials along the east side of Woodland. Residents can expect some delays as construction activity increases with better weather on 119th between Lone Elm and Woodland.

As part of the 119th Extension construction project, a portion of the Gary Haller trail will be closing on Monday, January 6. The closure will be from where the trail crosses under Northgate to approximately 650 ft. north of Northgate. This section of the trail is within the construction zone of the project, so we anticipate it to be closed for the duration of the project.

December 18, 2024 Update

On December 16, 2024 the City held a virtual public meeting introducing the construction team, our anticipated sequencing, and expected impacts. The City will continue to post updates to the project website, and Tentative Construction Timeline as we move through the construction phase.

Additionally, there were some questions in the meeting regarding project budget and future projects planned for the 119^th Street Corridor. To help clarify some of what was discussed in that public meeting, residents can review our 2025-2029 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan by visiting the City of Olathe Budget home page.

Currently, our Capital Improvement Plan is evaluated on an annual basis and future projects are subject to change based on yearly evaluations of the City budget and project needs.

November 15, 2024 Update

On Nov. 5, 2024, the Olathe City Council awarded a construction contract to Pyramid Contractors, Inc. for the 119th Street extension improvements project. Construction is planned to begin in December 2024 with completion anticipated in early 2027.

In 2025, Pyramid Contractors will start working on the new bridge and the improvements to 119th Street between Woodland Road and Lone Elm Road.

June 3, 2024 Update

City Staff have completed the process with the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) to decline Railroad Crossing Elimination Program Grant funding, which will allow the project to move forward without Federal funding. As discussed in the February 21, 2024 Update, the City will plan to construct 119th Street improvements as previously proposed, without the closure of Woodland at the BNSF tracks at Northgate. Currently, Staff are working with BNSF to get their final plan approval of the bridges, and to get appropriate agreements with BNSF in place in order to start construction. In concurrence with this coordination, staff are also working to finalize construction documents, to allow construction to move forward by the end of this year, 2024.

February 21, 2024 Update

After discussion with City Council during the February 6 Council Meeting, staff brought forward a resolution to re-authorize the 119^th Street Extension Project without Federal Rail Administration (FRA) funding, which was approved by Council on February 20, 2024. This resolution will allow the 119^th Street project to move forward without participation in the FRA’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Program. The City will plan to construct 119^th Street improvements as previously proposed, without the closure of Woodland at the BNSF tracks at Northgate. This should allow construction to commence later this year. Staff will continue to post updates as they are available.

February 2, 2024 Update

During the February 6 City Council meeting, staff will be providing an update to City Council on the status of the City’s progress to date with the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) and Railroad Crossing Elimination Program (RCEP) grant funding as it relates to the 119^th Street Project. Any updates after the discussion will continue to be posted to the City’s website under Project Updates.

August 31, 2023 Update

Final design is continuing to progress as the City hopes to finalize proposed improvements in 2024. Staff will be recommending approval of a Supplemental Agreement with the City's Consultant, HDR, at an upcoming City Council meeting on September 5, 2023. This Agreement will allow the City's consultant to continue their work and finish final design of this project, including corridor and bridge improvements that need to be finalized. The Agreement will also allow for continued coordination with the FRA, as the City considers acceptance of federal funds (approx. $18 million). The City recently met with representatives from the FRA, and it was communicated that an agreement could take 6-15 months to put into place. City Council would still need to approve any FRA Agreement at that time, to accept those federal funds.

June 5, 2023 Update

With the announcement the City was awarded Federal Railroad Crossing Elimination Program Funds, there will be impacts to the project schedule to account for additional Agreements and Federal Permitting Requirements. The City has already proactively planned for these possibilities and has progressed design, but it is likely construction would now start in 2024, with the Woodland Closure happening in 2026, once the 119^th Street extension is open to traffic. The City will continue to post updates to our website as they are available.

September 13, 2022 Update

As approved through City Council, the project is moving forward with planned installation of a roundabout at 119^th Street and Northgate, with intersection improvements through the project corridor along 119^th Street. This project is progressing from the preliminary design phase into final design. The City is working to gather information and resolve utility conflicts throughout the project corridor, with presence of utility companies to be expected on-site. Any property owners impacted by the project can expect land acquisition to begin in Fall of 2022, with City representatives reaching out individually as needed.

September 14, 2021 Update

The project is currently in the preliminary design phase with staff working on alignment options. The preferred alternative options will be presented at the public meeting on Thursday, September 30, 2021. Information for this virtual meeting can be found under the Public Information Meeting section.

April 12, 2021 Update

Beginning the week of April 19, crews will begin geotechnical boring in the area. View the boring locations and the relative paths that the machine will take to access each location. Boring activity will continue through the first week of May.

March 31, 2021 Update

Over the next few weeks, survey crews will be in the area to continue to collect data to begin preliminary design on this project. This work includes:

• Marking trees (with paint or ribbons) for survey purposes only
• Staking boring locations to determine the geotechnical details and subsurface data in the area.

Following the survey work in mid-to-late April, geotechnical investigation will begin. This work will include boring at various locations (all locations are on City of Olathe or BNSF property) and will require a bore rig. These locations do not define any roadway or bridge locations, they are for data collection purposes only.

The anticipated construction sequence document provides detail on tentative construction timelines.

Anticipated Construction Timeline:

• Contractor selection approved at City Council - November 5, 2024
• Construction Start - December 2024
  • 119^th Corridor Woodland to Lone Elm in 2025
  • 119^th Corridor Northgate to Sunset in 2026

• Bridge Construction – 2025 thru the end of 2026
• Construction completion - early 2027

*Please note, these anticipated dates are all dependent upon an approved Contractor’s schedule, and continued BNSF coordination.

The video recording of the second public meeting, held in January 2022, can be found below.

The video recording of the first public meeting, held in September 2021, can be found below.

Please submit all questions and concerns via OlatheConnect.

For questions about the 119th & Woodland intersection, click on the "Woodland Rd. At-Grade Crossing" accordion folder, or view our FAQ page.