Right of way acquisition is the process of securing the land needed to complete a transportation project. KDOT follows all state and federal laws during this process. If you are an affected landowner, KDOT will contact you directly to explain the steps and answer questions. More information is available on the KDOT’s Bureau of Right of Way webpage here.

KDOT collects traffic counts across Kansas each year to understand travel patterns and plan improvements. For K-33, counts were taken in 2024 at five locations along the highway. These counts confirm K-33’s role as a critical connector and help guide the scale of restoration needed. The 2025 statewide traffic count map is available on the KDOT website here.

KDOT looked at keeping K-33 where it is, or shifting it east or west, as part of the needed pavement and shoulder work. This study showed that staying on the current alignment with only shoulder improvements would require relocating more utilities and the need for additional right of way, leading to higher costs and greater disruptions for residents and businesses. After hearing from the public, the team is also now looking at whether certain portions of the road could shift slightly east to reduce impacts to homes, though some utility poles may need to be moved. Depending on the location, the roadway would be adjusted to either the east or west side of the existing highway. These possibilities are under review and more details will be shared early next year.

The pavement on K-33 has reached the point where full reconstruction cannot be delayed. While preparing for shoulder improvements, KDOT found that the pavement foundation is becoming unstable, meaning smaller repairs would not be effective. Full pavement reconstruction, including rebuilding the foundation, is needed to extend the life of the highway. Completing this work also prepares K-33 to serve as the official detour when U.S. 56 improvements begin in Douglas County.