A road maintenance project along Lackman Road in Lenexa is one of the latest projects to be funded by Johnson County’s County Assistance Road System.

Each year, Johnson County Public Works partners with cities on road and stormwater projects through the County Assistance Road System, or CARS, and the Stormwater Management Program. These collaborations result in road improvements and flood control efforts that benefit the community.

This project along Lackman Road involves resurfacing the road with mill and overlay, from the Lenexa north city limits to 87th Street Parkway. Construction is taking place throughout the summer.

The project has received more than $600,000 in CARS funding.

Through “mill and overlay,” the old asphalt surface is removed and replaced with a new asphalt surface. Since it doesn’t require full street reconstruction, mill and overlay is cost-effective while extending the life of the road.

In addition to the mill and overlay effort, construction crews are restoring damaged storm drain sewer pipes and inlet tops as well as repairing damaged sidewalk and ramps. These ramps will meet ADA requirements which ensures accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equal access to public spaces.

The Board of County Commissioners approves funding for the CARS program and Stormwater Management Program each year, identifying roadway enhancement and flood prevention projects in cities across the county.

Last October, the Board approved the 2024 plan for CARS and Stormwater Management Program funding. The plan totals $40 million, with approximately $20 million allocated for each program.

The plan includes 11 CARS projects in 13 cities this year.

Earlier this spring, the Stormwater Management Program funded a stormwater project in Prairie Village, which raised Mission Road by five feet to prevent flooding. The county split the cost of the $4.4 million project with the City of Prairie Village.

Johnson County teamed up with the City of Prairie Village and the City of Overland Park for a mill and overlay project along Nall Avenue this summer, reducing the traffic lanes and adding new bike lanes. The county provided more than $850,000 in CARS funding for the project.

Stormwater Management Program funding comes from a 1/10-cent sales tax authorized by the Kansas Legislature in 1988 and approved by the Board. CARS funding comes from a combination of a revenue from a gas tax and county support.

Learn more about the Stormwater Management Program and CARS program.