Olathe crews and contractors are making visible progress on a long-planned reconstruction of Quivira Road, a stretch that will be transformed from a two-lane dirt-and-ditch corridor into a modern two-lane divided arterial with new sidewalks, storm infrastructure and lighting.
What's under construction
The project covers Quivira Road from 143rd Street to 151st Street. City officials broke the work into two primary phases; the first phase, between 143rd and 147th, is currently fully closed to traffic while crews install the new storm sewer system, remove existing pavement and grade for the new roadway and sidewalks. Water-line relocations for that segment have been completed.
- Road type: two-lane divided arterial (median)
- Pedestrian/bike: 5-foot sidewalk on the west side; 10-foot sidewalk on the east side; bike lanes included
- Drainage: enclosed storm sewer system replacing open ditches
- Other: curb and gutter additions and new street lighting
Timeline and access impacts
According to city updates, the first phase — 143rd to 147th — is expected to be finished and reopened to traffic by the end of 2026. Work on the second phase stretches from just north of 147th to 151st and is already underway; that portion could continue through February 2027.
“Work in the first phase is expected to wrap up and be fully open to traffic by the end of the year.”
City and contractor traffic plans have limited through-traffic impacts by staging work and carrying out some utility relocations off the roadway. Nonetheless, the current field conditions mean:
- The segment between 143rd and 147th is fully closed to through traffic.
- The section north of 147th toward 151st is closed to through traffic but remains open for local access only.
Work visible on site
On Tuesday, crews were observed removing pavement, grading the roadway and installing storm systems. A dump truck and other heavy equipment have been staging in the construction zone near 143rd, where signage indicates the project is part of the County Assistance Road System (CARS) program administered by Johnson County.
| Phase | Limits | Status / Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 143rd to 147th | Closed to through traffic; storm sewer and grading underway; reopen by end of 2026 |
| Phase 2 | Just north of 147th to 151st | Limited local access; tree/brush removal and water-line relocations underway; work through Feb. 2027 |
The improvements aim to move the corridor away from dirt shoulders and open ditches to a road better equipped for suburban growth, with stormwater management, lighting and pedestrian facilities intended to improve safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Funding and broader context
Signs at the site note the project is being completed as part of Johnson County’s CARS program, which provides funding assistance for county and municipal road projects. The city website lists staged construction and traffic plans designed to reduce disruption where possible — for example, relocating utilities off the road to limit closures — but residents and commuters should continue to expect lane restrictions and detours while major work is active.
For Olathe residents who travel the Quivira corridor, these changes mean predictable short-term inconvenience for what the city frames as long-term benefits: a safer, more resilient roadway with improved drainage and nonmotorized facilities. Motorists should plan alternate routes while the 143rd–147th closure remains in effect and continue to monitor city or county updates for reopening notices and traffic advisories.
The project adds to a series of infrastructure investments in southern Johnson County aimed at supporting ongoing residential and commercial development. As work progresses through the winter and into early 2027 on the northern segment, officials will balance construction schedules with efforts to preserve local access for residents and businesses adjacent to the corridor.
