WOW! Lately, there is a LOT of construction on the south side of the ‘loop’ of 435, on the Kansas side. It’s needed for all the traffic! But overall, 435 makes it easy to get to almost anywhere in the city, from the far west side of the metro, to the far east side, and south to north, without needing to navigate up through(or down through) the sometimes congested downtown area. Even if it’s a couple miles longer to take the loop, I’ll drive it because it’s easier than the downtown or commuter traffic.(Not that KC has much traffic compared to the HUGE cities, but it’s frustrating for a small town girl at times!). For example: I prefer the 435 route from the middle of JoCo to the Stadiums; using the side exits at the stadiums is much easier anyway. The MO side has really stepped up to the plate and made the Triangle(or Three Trails Crossing, whatever!) much easier to navigate. Maybe some of the signage could be a bit better or more obvious east of the state line, because that has to be why people stay in the far left lane even when they aren’t exiting at the triangle to 71 North. Congestion in the«Kansas triangle» near 435/K-10/I-35 is getting worse, and the construction isn’t a help at the moment, but when it’s finished, it will just as easy to navigate as the rest of the loop. Make sure you are aware of alternate routes if there is construction. The detours aren’t always obvious for out of towners if exits like US-69 are closed or shifted. I have a feeling when the construction is finished, it’ll easily be 4 or 5 stars!
Stephen H.
Place rating: 4 Paris, France
Many cities have«loop» freeways. I’ve never really figured out whether it is the most efficient way to lay out a freeway grid, but 435 does work for most of us in KC. If you are in Johnson County, you can use it to get out to the Legends or to Livestrong Sporting Park or as the«scenic» drive to the airport. It’s also your main method of getting to the stadiums for the other two professional sports teams in KC who don’t have ownership that gives a damn. Do bear in mind that between Antioch and State Line there are routinely Kansas State troopers wanting to nail you before you make it to the blessed state of Missouri. They will often have guns on an overpass bridge, and then radio your description and speed to a partner, who is waiting on a down ramp to come get you. But this goes back to a rule I’ve said before: Don’t speed in Kansas. It’s actually a crime here.
