The Kansas Turnpike Authority is moving to a cashless tolling system starting in July, and employees will no longer be stationed at many toll plazas. As a result, the KTA is planning to close and remove the storm shelters that have been placed at the toll plazas.
The shelters provided a place for employees and motorists to go in the event of severe weather, but there will be no employees to maintain and supervise the shelters in the future. The KTA plans to reconfigure the toll plazas over the next 18 months.
Weather forecasters recommend that motorists should look for the nearest exit and get off the Turnpike to get to a location where they could find shelter. KWCH Chief Meteorologist Ross Janssen said drivers should look for a building or a business where they can take shelter. He said taking shelter in a ditch on the side of the road should be a last resort, and people should not take shelter under an overpass because winds are much stronger there. Motorists should never try to outrun a storm in their vehicle.
