Geotechnical Investigation for the K-7 and I-70 Interchange Bonner Springs, Kansas

摘要

The K-7 and I-70 interchange is a proposed project set forth to accommodate the growingcity of Bonner Springs, KS as well as increase the traffic flow into Kansas City. Currently this isthe second (2nd) busiest interchange in all of Kansas City. Approximately 145,000 vehicles a daytravel through the existing major system to system interchange. The design for the proposedinterchange includes expansion of existing I-70 and K-7 to accommodate the traffic volumeprojected in the future as well as construction of new ramps and collector roads.The project has ten (10) proposed phases. To date, KDOT has completed Phases 1through 3, which are associated with the expansion of I-70 to six lanes, construction of new loopramps in both the northwest and southwest quadrants of the existing K-7 and I-70 Interchangeand two (2) bridge replacements at Riverview Ave. and 118th St. We have portions of Phases 4and 9 completed and are preparing to begin work on the remainder of Phase 4 and Phase 6.The management of what has been done and what needs to be done has been achallenging obstacle that we faced since the project began. Since our geothechnical investigationhas started, we have had to be flexible on which Phase we could work on due to landownerpermission, right of way acquisition, designer needs, and information availability. We have alsohad to revisit and re-drill due to changes in design and site access. The geology of the site hasposed many obstacles alone. In this area, the Tonganoxie Sandstone Member lies disconformablyon the Stanton Formation where it cuts through the Iatan Limestone and Weston Shale Members.This disconformity developed by the infilling of existing deep erosional channels during thedeposition. The Tonganoxie Sandstone encountered across the majority of the site contains thicksequences of fine grained, cross-bedded sandstone with several thin, non-continuous,interbedded sandy shales.To date there have been over 200 power auger borings performed for approximately 5miles of surface geology investigation and 3 bridge foundation investigations. KDOT’sgeotechnical investigation on the proposed infrastructure continues to be done as needed throughthis developing suburb of Kansas City. Construction is set to start early in 2013 on Phase 2 andletting date of mid 2013 for Phases 1 through 3. The remaining phases do not have let dates atthis time.As the state of Kansas grows, so does the need for development and improvement of ourinfrastructure. As geologists, we need to ensure that we provide the most accurate preliminarydesign information possible.