I-235 construction causing traffic backups

“Got caught at 96, where 96 comes down at 235 and from there I was about 15 to -20 minutes just getting to Broadway,” said Eli Schrock, a professional driver.  Schrock’s used to navigating the twists and turns of Kansas' roads.  But even he's already had enough of the mess on I-235.

“It's just a hassle, everybody trying to… fighting to get in line,” Schrock added.  “I'm sure everybody was getting hot about it.”

Law enforcement is afraid that could lead to an accident, and maybe injuries, that's why officers were out in force the first day of the construction project.  Their biggest problem?  Motorists making U-turns in an effort to escape the traffic jam.

“Whether it's a crossover, or just through the grass it's illegal to make that U-turn,” said Trooper Gary Warner of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

And remember, fines double in a construction zone.  The cheapest ticket, including court costs, totaled $190.  And officers wrote more than a dozen tickets Monday morning.  Their advice to beleaguered motorists?  Patience!

“This is only going to last about a month and a half.  The biggest thing is, choose an alternate route,” Warner added.

The stop and go traffic of street level roads is what many people try to avoid by using the interstate.  But you may find, right now, that it's less of a hassle than what faces you on I-235.  Something Schrock, who was had to travel through the construction zone twice on Monday, has already decided to do.

“I'll just get off at 96 and take Meridian to 37th and come across to Broadway,” Schrock said.  “Save a lot of time.”

There are several options for alternate routes, depending on where you’re travelling.  State troopers encourage you to find one.

And again, this is a fairly short term project.  Within two months things should be back to normal.