KC resident hopes closing ‘Bank of KDOT’ will improve safety on I-70

Payments have slowed in state budgets under Gov. Laura Kelly. In the most recent budget, the state would close the so-called “bank of KDOT” during the next fiscal year by not diverting any funds to general government uses.

Leo Eilts has witnessed many accidents, ranging from minor to fatal, at the tight right-angle curve as Interstate 70 exits Kansas and enters Missouri. With the state budget set to close the so-called Bank of KDOT, Eilts is hopeful projects like fixing the dangerous curve can be addressed. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)

by NOAH TABORDA, Kansas Reflector

Published: July 13, 2022

Payments have slowed in state budgets under Gov. Laura Kelly. In the most recent budget, the state would close the so-called “bank of KDOT” during the next fiscal year by not diverting any funds to general government uses.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — As Interstate 70 exits Kansas and enters Missouri, a tight right-angle curve is a sight of many accidents over the years, Leo Eilts has witnessed.

Eilts, a resident of the Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, bought a building 16 years ago with a fantastic view overlooking the point where the Kansas and Missouri river meet. He quickly found his building offered a less pleasant view of accidents along that harrowing curve and fixed his security cameras on the point.

“I have a front row seat to a massive demolition derby just down from my building,” Eilts said.

Already a subscriber?