I

All Interstate Highways are identified with 36-inch route markers similar to these. Lettering and borders are white, with a red background for the word "Interstate" and a blue background for the state name and . The sign of safe, rapid, trou­ ble-free driving. Welcome to ' Interstate Highways

CoNSTRUCTION in Kansas The Interstate routes will be uniform in design of 803 miles of the new throughout the nation, and will give Kansas multi­ National System of Inter­ laned, controlled access freeways equal to any in state and Defense Highways will mean immeasurable America. The improved service to Kansas residents benefits for our state. and visitors, whether they are driving private or com­ These routes will be of great improvement to the mercial vehicles, will far outweigh the cost of building state's over-all system and will provide con­ these routes. These superhighways will save thou­ nections with major cities and industrial centers sands of lives each year, and greatly reduce the acci­ throughout the continental . dent rate. vVe welcome you to share in their excellent benefits. Happy and safe driving to you on Kansas Interstate In a state of such great distances and importance, freeways. the three Interstate routes crossing Kansas will be a boon in faster, safer, more comfortable travel.

JOHN ANDERSON, JR., Governor of Kansas Addison H. Meschke Director of Highways KANSAS' INTERSTATE ROUTES ·-··-··-··-··---··-··-··-··--··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-. i l .. ----. : ). I ~~ ") . ~ I : : \ I GOODLAND 0 COLBY ...... ' 0 :KANSAS '\.ciTY

RUSSELL 0 HAYS

··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··- --··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-··-·· THE INTERSTATE SYSTE

The National System of Interstate and Defense Highways* four urban bypasses, as shown on the map in this booklet. is a network of 41,000 miles of the most modern and extensive The Kansas section of Interstate No. 70 totals 424 miles and highways ever built. crosses the state east to west, from Kansas City, Mo., to the It was authorized by Congress in 1956 to accommodate the border west of Goodland, Kan. greatly increasing volume of and to be immediately This route will extend from Washington, D. C., and Balti­ available for rapid transportation requirements in case of a more, Md., to Central , where it joins another Interstate national emergency. It connects all larger cities and all agri­ route leading to the west coast. Under alignments estab­ cultural, military, industrial and shipping centers of the lished by the states and federal government, I-70 coincides continental United States. Initially, it was scheduled for with the between Kansas City and Topeka. completion by about 1972. Due to the condition of the federal connects Kansas City, Mo., and the highway trust fund, the completion date could be delayed border south of Wichita, a distance of 2.'35 miles. It includes perhaps five years, unless additional funds are provided by that portion of the Kansas Turnpike from the Oklahoma line Congress. north and northeast to Emporia. Terminals of the national I-.'35 route are Duluth, Minn., and Laredo, . Three Kansas Links The third, Interstate 35 West, extends 103 miles from Wich­ There are 803 miles of Interstate freeways designated for ita to Salina, and provides a connecting link between Inter­ Kansas. f The mileage is split among three major routes and state 70 at Salina and Interstate 35 at Wichita.

* U. S. Interstate system map on back cover. t Map of Kansas Interstate routes on page 1.

2 These three freeways and the urban circumferential routes grades. The minimum speed on freeways will be 40 miles an around the state's three largest cities-Wichita, Kansas City hour to keep traffic moving at a rapid rate. and Topeka-constitute the Interstate system in Kansas. The Large, special-type reflectorized signs identify the different entire network of freeways is being constructed of high design Interstate routes, indicate entrances and exits, guide motorists standards for safer, faster, uninterrupted travel, mile after to their destinations and rest and service areas. Information­ mile. Except for voluntary halts for services, a motorist could service centers may be located along the Interstate routes at travel, for instance, from Kansas City, Mo., to Laredo, Texas, convenient intervals. or from Wichita to without a single stop. Even at ordinary travel speeds this will mean great savings in time, costs and energy.

KEEP TO THE RIGHT . • • PASS ON THE LEFT-Vehicle operators Freeway Characteristics should drive in the travel nearest the right , except when passing or when other are specified by markings. Each Interstate route has at least two 12-foot-wide traffic lanes in each direction. Opposing lanes are separated by PASSING-Operator should signal his intention of moving into another grassed medians; hard surfaced shoulders are provided for lane to pass. Hand or automatic signal of change of direction should safe, emergency parking and to reduce the chances of col­ be g;ven for convenience of motorists ahead and to the rear. lisions. There will be no stop signs or traffic signals, no rail or intersections at grade. Railroads and other highways PARKING-Except in emergency, park only at rest stations or designated will be carried over or under the freeways. areas. For emergency parking, pull well onto shoulder. Never park Acceleration and deceleration lanes will be provided at on travel lane. points of access (interchanges) for traffic entering and leaving the freeway, in both rural and urban areas. EMERGENCY AID-When help is needed on an Interstate highway, watch In Kansas, Interstate routes are designed for speeds of 70 for and hail a passing Highway Patrol officer or emergency vehicle. The miles an hour, with wide surfacing, broad curves and reduced Interstate routes are regularly patrolled.

3 1. GRADIE SEPARATION

3. CLOVERLEAF

2. 4. DIRECTIONAL FLOW INTERCHANGE ·Types of Grade Separations

They're Simpler Than They Look

Study of the diagrams on the opposite page will show how DON'T HURRY-Guard against fatigue. Stop occasionally in a rest area, vehicles may transfer between Interstate routes and inter­ stretch, and walk about or take a nap if tired. If you become exhausted secting or highways. The arrows show direction of or ill and must stop along the highway, pull well onto shoulder. traffic flow.

1. : The simplest type of freeway grade WATCH THE WEATHER-vVeather changes vehicle operating conditions. separation for safe, unimpeded traffic flow, carrying local Adjust your driving to existing weather. traffic over the Interstate route. There is no interchange of traffic here. DON'T TAILGATE-i'vlaintain a safe stopping distance from the car ahead. 2. Diamond Interchange: A comparatively simple facility One car length per 10 miles of speed is recommended. with acceleration and deceleration lanes for transfer of traffic between separated grade levels. USERS PAY FOR ROADS-No funds except highway users funds are 3. : This type eliminates left turns spent on highways in Kansas. All funds come from gasoline tax, drivers across opposing traffic lanes and is used when turning move­ licenses, registration fees, titles and special truck fees and permits. ments are heavy in all four directions. 4. Directional Flow Interchange: At many locations inter­ WILL SAVE MANY LIVES-Officials of the Federal Government and the change of large volumes of traffic is in two directions only. This is one example of such an interchange. American Association of Officials estimate that the Inter­ state network will save more than 5,000 lives a year.

5 Interstate Design Standards

The Most of the Ve1·y Best

Access Width and Number of Lanes Entrance to or exit from Interstate highways shall be only Traffic lanes not less than 12 feet wide. Four lanes or more at designated interchanges. required, with opposite lanes divided by median strips.

Shoulders Railroad Crossings All-weather shoulders not less than 10 feet wide on outside Railroad grade crossings are eliminated on all through and six feet wide on inside of each two-lane section. traffic lanes. Right of Way Intersections To vary from 200 to 300 foot minimums. No grade level intersections. and Travel Speeds Clearance of not less than 16 feet over entire roadway width. Routes designed for speeds up to 70 miles an hour through IT WILL PAY FOR ITSELF-Travel on the Interstate highway system will all types of terrain. Slower speed limits will prevail in urban cost motorists only about half of that on present-day "stop and go" high­ areas. Rural areas will have 40 miles an hour minimum speed. ways.

6 A Big Boost to Business

Kansas' 803 miles of Interstate routes are expected to have trade will increase due to easier parking and less congestion. a tremendous economic effect upon the state. Interchanges and paralleling frontage roads will permit easier ThE\ construction alone is furnishing jobs to hundreds of and safer turnoffs and parking than is generally possible along construction workers. Thousands of employees of materials the arterial roads. Traffic congestion will be reduced in the and equipment suppliers and in transportation are also affected. commercial areas by the absence of through traffic. The sweeping four and six-lane divided highways with their controlled access will be a model for future planning of other principal highways in Kansas. By facilitating automobile and truck travel at its best, these MANY MILES TO TRAVEL-Kansas has more than 125,000 miles of roads, roads built for the future instead of the present are bound to including federal, state, county and township facilities, ranking second be a potent inducement for more travel within the state and in total mileage among all the states. Only Texas, which has four times to bring more travelers and goods into Kansas, particularly the area of Kansas, has a larger roads system. tourist and vacation travelers. The state's east-west route, , taps some of the FIRST INTERSTATE CONTRACT-Kansas was the first state to complete a nation's greatest population and industrial centers, while the contract on the Interstate highway system, after its approval by Con­ principal north-south route, Interstate 35, extends through the gress in 1956. The contract was for eight miles of portland cement heart of America. pavement west of Topeka. The limited access restrictions along the Interstate freeways prevent a commercial buildup on the routes. This tends to DON'T liE A LITTIERIIUG-It is unlawful to drop rubbish or waste on any stabilize business areas of bypassed communities since the public highway. Leave your rubbish in receptacles provided at rest cities are connected by spur routes. In many cities, retail areas for that purpose.

7 Special Roadside Services

Travel on Interstate highways (or other freeways) presents Consideration also is being given to the possible establish­ some service problems not generally encountered on ordinary ment of information centers at some rest areas. routes. Further fulfllling the requirements of the traveling public, Because of the Interstate freeways' limited access design, it is anticipated that commercial enterprises catering to motor­ commercial establishments such as restaurants, lodgings, ga­ ists will establish themselves adjacent to or near major inter­ rages, service stations and stores (except service areas already changes in both urban and rural areas. existing on the Kansas Turnpike which is included in the Parking along the highway shoulders will be prohibited Interstate system) will not be directly available alongside the except in case of emergency. However, Kansas highway highways. No commercial establishments are permitted on patrol officers will regularly patrol the Interstate routes. They the right of way. may summon repairmen and tow trucks by radio as requested Motor vehicles will have to leave the freeways at inter­ and give a limited amount of assistance when such help will changes to reach any commercial establishments. get a vehicle in- operation to reach a garage or parking area. Limitation of getting on and off the freeways to designated Patrol officers also will summon physicians and ambulances interchanges is necessary to protect traffic against delays and as required in case of an emergency. hazards from vehicles leaving or entering traffic lanes at too Motorists are advised not to stand in traffic lanes to attract frequent intervals. a patrol officer. They should signal by raising the car hood, To offset the necessary restrictions, rest areas and roadside attaching a bright cloth to the left door handle, or waving it parks will be located at reasonable intervals along the Inter­ out a window. A sign also may be placed in the rear window. state routes. They will include landscaped parking areas adja­ cent to the roadways, with picnic tables, rest rooms and, where applicable, signs designating that gas, food and lodging are SIGNS AND LINEs-Observe all traffic signs. They warn you of changing available in the vicinity. Telephones also may be located in conditions and possible hazards, and direct you to your destination. Observe pavement markings for safety. Do not cross solid line in your some of the rest areas, and at other points along the highways. lane. Broken line permits passing if the way is clear.

8 If Disabled: Guide Signs Rectangular. White letters, green background. (Tempo­ Park on highway shoulder to right as far from pavement rary signs are white with black lettering, and eventually will as possible. Don't stand or walk in traffic lanes. be replaced with permanent white and green signs.) To summon help, signal with bright cloth on left door Carry names of intersecting , destination names. handle, andjor by raising car hood. Watch for patrol officer. May include route numbers, directional arrows, exit in­ At night, light dome light in vehicle and use flares or flash­ structions. Generally in vicinity of interchanges. Service light to indicate your position. Do not obstruct rear light. and rest area signs have green opaque letters on white back­ Always use extreme caution and observe safety rules. ground. Miscellaneous guide signs locate historical and rec­ reational areas, geographic features.

Signs Are Bigger and Better Regulatory Signs Knowledge of the distinctive types of signs on Interstate Rectangular. Black letters, white background. Includes highways makes driving easier and safer. The major classes speed limits, etc. i'daximum and minimum day and night of signs include: speed signs will be posted at intervals throughout the Inter­ state system. Route Markers Shield shaped, red, white and blue. 36 by 36 inches. Carry Warning Signs words "Interstate" and "Kansas," plus route number. Diamond shaped. Black letters, yellow background. Warn Smaller route markers in vicinity of interchanges on roads of merging traffic hazards. connecting with Interstate routes. Special "spur" and "" route markers on roads into, or alternate routes through cities Pavement Markings and towns bypassed or circled by Interstate routes. Where an Interstate and state highway are on the same Solid yellow stripes for barriers. location, there are route markers for both. Broken white stripes for lane dividing lines.

9 Freeway Terms-What They Mean

Roadway-Traveling width of a highway from shoulder to Interchange-Highway grade separation designed for trans­ shoulder, or in case of a divided highway, from shoulder to fer of traffic between intersecting highways via connecting median barrier. Thus, divided highways have two roadways, lanes. For descriptions of type of interchanges, see "Types each of two or more lanes. of Grade Separations," on pages 4 and 5. Traffic Lane-Width of that part of a roadway which accom­ Access-Points at which vehicles may enter or leave highway. modates a single line of vehicles. -Local road or beside an arterial high­ Divided or Dual Highway-Highway on which traffic mov­ way for service of adjoining property. ing in opposite directions is separated by a barrier, fence, or of land. All Interstate highways are divided. State or Trunk Highway-A principal highway; in Kansas a segment of the designated highway system controlled by the Median-The part of a highway separating traffic moving in state. opposite directions. Freeway-Highway designed for rapid, unimpeded traffic Grade , Crossing and Separation-A grade flow by the use of controlled access, divided roadways, grade intersection is a crossing of highways at the same grade level; separations at all intersections and no left turns at grade level. a grade crossing is that of a highway and a railroad track at the same level; and a grade separation is a crossing of high­ Expressway-Highway designed for rapid traffic flow, but ways, or of a highway and railroad tracks at separate levels. not as strictly limited as a freeway in access control or elimi­ (Grade intersections and grade crossings are not permitted nation of grade intersections. (Also called Throughway.) on the Interstate system.) Interstate System-Projected 41,000-mile national network Controlled Access--Restriction of points for entering or leav­ of major highways, as designated by Congress, to connect the ing highway to limited number of designated locations. (Also nation's principal cities, industrial areas and military facilities called limited or designated access.) -for peacetime travel and national defense.

10 Six .. Lane Interstate 7Q ...... Kansas City, Kansa,

Interstate 70 Near Junction City