Public Invited to Town Hall on Nine Mile Corner Safety Project
September 30, 2025
Thomas County residents will soon have the chance to weigh in on a major proposal that could reshape one of the region’s busiest intersections. A public town hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. inside the Commissioners Chambers at the Thomas County Courthouse to discuss the possibility of constructing a roundabout at the Nine Mile Corner, east of Colby where highways 25 and 83 intersect.
The discussion stems from growing safety concerns at the intersection, where heavy truck and commuter traffic converge daily. Local trucking companies first approached county commissioners earlier this year, citing the challenges of navigating the stop-sign and flashing-light system currently in place. Commissioners responded by forming a committee to explore alternatives, including consultation with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).
According to federal research from the Federal Highway Administration, roundabouts can reduce fatal crashes by up to 90 percent, injury crashes by 76 percent, and total crashes by more than a third. Locally, committee members noted similar data from rural high-speed intersections in Kansas, where roundabouts have been installed with dramatic improvements in safety.
“People may not always like roundabouts at first,” one county official said, “but the numbers don’t lie. They slow traffic, move vehicles continuously, and turn what could be high-speed collisions into minor fender-benders.”
Law enforcement leaders have also expressed support, pointing out that crashes at the intersection often involve high speeds and serious injuries. Roundabouts, they say, offer the best chance to reduce those risks.
One of the leading questions in the community has been whether large trucks can safely navigate a roundabout. Engineers have emphasized that modern roundabouts are designed with truck aprons—wide, mountable concrete sections around the center island—specifically to accommodate semis, trailers, and even oversized loads like wind tower blades.
Nearby examples in Dodge City and Junction City were cited as proof that roundabouts can handle heavy trucking traffic effectively. County officials also wanted to express that the public doesn’t consider the “roundabouts” in Hays as an accurate model of this design.
The projected cost for a roundabout at Nine Mile Corner is approximately $6 million. By comparison, an overpass interchange would cost closer to $22 million plus long-term maintenance. Importantly, the county is exploring a KDOT funding pool that could fully cover the cost of the roundabout, with no county expense if approved.
While officials stress the proposal is still in the early stages, public input will play a key role in shaping the county’s next steps. The October 6 town hall is intended to provide facts, answer questions, and give residents the chance to share their views.
“This isn’t about what a few people think—it’s about what our community needs to feel safe and supported,” said Claire Schrock of the Thomas County Road Department, who has been leading the informational campaign.
Meeting Details
All residents, business owners, and road users are encouraged to attend. Input gathered at the meeting will help shape the county’s presentation at KDOT’s upcoming Local Consult Meeting later in October, where regional transportation priorities will be discussed.