Southeast Kansas Highways

Abstract

This paper raises the question of whether the proposal to build a "high-type two-lane highway" through Southeast Kansas, which would connect Interstate 35 on the east edge of Wichita with Interstate 44 near Joplin, Missouri, should be upgraded to a four-lane highway. After examining the economic development history of the region coupled with the positive factors which poise this region for future economic development, we conclude that the additional cost of a limited access four-lane over a super-two lane highway could be justified by the likely additional benefits. A net present value analysis of the incremental costs and benefits supports this conclusion.