Topic: De Soto Local Road Improvements

Summary: KDOT has committed to deliver the transportation infrastructure improvements necessary to support the newly announced Panasonic Energy Co. electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, KS. The infrastructure improvements include updating about 4.5 miles of the current two-lane asphalt road to a new divided 4-lane roadway with curb & gutter and sidewalks.

Speakers: Paul Kulseth, PE : Paul Kulseth is an Assistant Director in the Division of Program & Project Management with the Kansas Department of Transportation. He is also currently serving as Project Director of the De Soto Local Road Improvements Progressive-Design-Build project. His over 20 years of State service have also included bridge design, bridge inspection, bridge maintenance, bridge data management, and project management. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering and Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas. Paul and his wife, Jenn, live in Lawrence with their two daughters, Stella and Sophie.

Jon Deves, PE, PTOE: Jon is a traffic engineer who’s 15-year career has included numerous types of projects, including signal optimization, traffic simulation modeling, ATMS operation/monitoring, new signal installation, and detour/event signal timing.  Jon led the traffic analysis on this project. He is a Traffic & Planning Section manager at HDR and has collaborated on roadway construction projects throughout the country. He has a passion for efficient traffic, as well as efficient presentations so you all can get back to more important topics, like which Taylor Swift show was better, Friday night or Saturday night.