BNSF West Track Study

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Santa Fe Railroad Crossing with Johnson County Courthouse in Background

The City of Olathe was awarded a Rail Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant from the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) in 2025 to study a 2.5 mile stretch of the BNSF Railway’s west tracks in Olathe, spanning from Woodland Road to Dennis Avenue.

The BNSF West Track Railroad Crossing Study project includes data collection, stakeholder and public engagement, development of a purpose and need statement, design of conceptual improvements, and a feasibility analysis to help identify preferred alternatives at each crossing.

Study Area

Project Goals and Purpose

The BNSF West Track Railroad Crossing Study is evaluating ways to improve safety, mobility, and connectivity at nine railroad crossings along the corridor. The study will use input from community members and stakeholders to identify preferred improvement alternatives, which may include crossing upgrades, new grade separations (bridges or underpasses), crossing closures, or other crossing improvements. Improvement of these railroad crossings in the study area have been a long-standing community priority. Project goals include:

Safety Improvements
Improve Travel Time Reliability
Reduce Congestion
Affordability
Increase Rail Operational Efficiency
Constructability
Improving State of Good Repair of Roadway and Rail Assets

Project Schedule

Several public engagement events are planned to present information about the study, gather feedback, and answer your questions:

Public Pop Up Event: Johnson County Old Settlers
- Thursday, September 10: 12-4 p.m.
- Friday, September 11: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Public Meeting #1: Open House
- Tuesday, September 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
- Olathe Downtown Library, Flexbox Theater
  - 260 E Santa Fe, Olathe, KS 66061
Public Pop Up Event: Olathe Art Fair
- Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Contact Information