This story is part of an ongoing series, Powering Change: Panasonic and De Soto. If you'd like to share your excitement or concerns about the electric vehicle battery plant, you can do so here.
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Johnson County developed a plan to reopen roads that have been closed for decades around the Astra Enterprise Park, where Panasonic is building its new facility.
The Johnson County Transportation Connection Plan aims to reconnect roads that were closed off when the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant opened in 1941, creating new access points around the 9,000-acre development area.
"Now that that plant is being reclaimed and repurposed for development, we are looking at a transportation study that seeks to reconnect that Astra Enterprise Park," said Brian Pietig, Johnson County engineer.
The massive Panasonic facility, which is scheduled to have its grand opening on July 14, occupies only about 3% of the total Astra Enterprise Park. County officials see the battery plant as just the beginning of development in the area.
"Panasonic being the key that is the catalyst for starting development in that area. Our thought is that we will then see spin-off developments of commercial, residential, industrial," Pietig said.
Rather than creating new roads, the county's plan focuses on reopening existing routes that have been inaccessible for decades.
The transportation study extends beyond the immediate area around Panasonic, including surrounding cities like Gardner, Olathe and Edgerton.
"As this traffic is developed in the Astra Enterprise Park, what type of effects does it have on that bigger surrounding area?" Pietig said.
De Soto residents welcome the potential for improved connectivity in their community of about 6,500 people.
"I think it would just filter a little more traffic a different route," said Randy Sammons, De Soto resident.
Brayden Gage, who often visits De Soto, is in favor of more options.
"It would be easier to have a couple more ways to get to and from the city," Gage said.
County officials say this plan serves as a blueprint for future development rather than an immediate construction project.
"This would be the plan so that when development occurs, we have the opportunity, and folks know what the thoughts are and how the road infrastructure will look," Pietig said.
Residents interested in learning more about the Johnson County Transportation Connection Plan can attend an open house on June 11 at De Soto's Community Center.
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KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers portions of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.
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