The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is implementing a speed reduction on a portion of U.S. Highway 24/40 through the city of Basehor. This speed reduction is designed to change driver behavior, reduce speed in the corridor, and enhance safety for all road users.

“As the Mayor of Basehor, I can think of no greater honor than to advocate for improved safety in our community,” said Mayor Richard “Dick” Drennon. “On behalf of the City of Basehor, I would like to thank Secretary Calvin Reed, Senator Jeff Klemp, Representative Tim Johnson, and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for their cooperation and teamwork that made this speed reduction possible.”

The change in speed limits, from 65 miles per hour to 55 mph, will be as follows:

• Going west on Highway 24/40, the 55 mph speed limit begins just west of 150th Street and continues to roughly a half-mile west of 158th Street.
• Going east on Highway 24/40, the 55 mph speed limit begins roughly a half-mile west of 158th Street and continues to just west of 150th Street.

New static and dynamic signs will be installed along the affected portions of eastbound and westbound Highway 24/40 to alert drivers of the speed zone changes. Static signs, noting reduced speed zones and posting of the new speed limits, will be installed the week of August 25. Dynamic speed feedback signs, alerting drivers of their current speed, will be installed later this fall.

"The speed reduction initiative is the result of a collaboration between KDOT and the city of Basehor," said KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed. "When communities raise a concern with KDOT, we are a partner in helping identify solutions that serve Kansans, communities, and road users. In late June, I signed a Speed Reduction Resolution as the first step to implementing speed zone changes. With installation of signage for the reduced speed zones, our focus shifts to educating the community and evaluating effectiveness. Reductions in speeds are not the only factor in lowering crash rates. The most important factor to make roads safer is the behavior of motorists and passengers. Citizens will have increased opportunity to learn about safe passenger and motorist behavior through outreach efforts. I look forward to ongoing partnership with citizens and community leaders on this initiative."