Driving I-70 Westbound Across Kansas (Kansas City, Topeka: how much, motels, construction)

[Soviet]

Anything I need to know in terms of construction zones? Speed traps/overzealous law enforcement? Are the speed limits appropriate? It's 70 mph all the way through, correct?

[quesera]

The speed limit is 75, except through Topeka. There is a 65 zone and a 45 at a curve. It's 4th of July weekend. You don't need to worry about speed traps, as the troopers will be out in full force.

[RadioSilence]

Kansas City: goes from 55 to 65 to 70 mph as you progress west
west of Kansas City to Topeka: 75 mph
**have a few bucks ready for the turnpike
Topeka: 65 mph, with a 45 mph curve
**Last summer there was a lot of repair in progress in Topeka; it may be done now
West of Topeka: 75 mph all the way to Colorado

I wouldn't consider the highway patrol overzealous on speed traps, but they will target larger vehicles Texas and California plates, looking for drugs.

[Soviet]

How much is the Kansas Turnpike from Kansas City to Topeka, by the way? Just wondering. Anyone know an exact amount for a 2-axle vehicle?

[quesera]

Kansas turnpike site says it's $2.25 from KC to Topeka.

[Soviet]

Thank you for that info, quesera!

You also mentioned this: "You don't need to worry about speed traps, as the troopers will be out in full force."

Does this mean that the "hide behind a tree" speed traps aren't particularly prevalent, but the professional Kansas State Troopers will be patrolling back & forth along the Interstate? Or do KST also hide behind trees & stuff? I also hear from speedtrap.org that the area around Colby, Kansas uses aircraft for traffic enforcement, but the data may be out of date. Know anything about this?

[quesera]

My ex-husband used to work for the patrol. The troopers don't "hide behind trees", they're simply out patrolling. Usually, when they're parked, it's on the median. Regarding aircraft patrol, they used to have planes painted onto the pavement, indicating there was a possibility of aircraft patrol. With budget cuts everywhere, I've not heard or seen anything about the craft actually being in the air. It's been many years since that was standard procedure. For a few years, it was grounded completely.

Since you'll be driving through with out of state tags, you'll really want to be mindful of the speed limit around certain cities/towns. On I-70, adhere to the limit as you drive through Topeka, Salina (KHP dispatch and training academy are based there), Russell, Hays and Colby. I actually set my cruise at between 78 and 80 most of the time (except through the towns I mentioned), when I drive to western Ks from Lawrence.

Hopefully, another poster can add to this info, if what I posted about the air patrol is incorrect.

Have a safe trip!

[AnywhereElse]

This appears to be a good website: Kansas Department of Transportation: 511 Traveler Information

[slingshot]

Are there any decent biker friendly motels in Goodland, Ks.? If so, which ones?

[slingshot]

Never mind. Thanks. I found one.