CARS Program

The Board County of Commissioners recognized that one of the keys to the success of Johnson County is in its major transportation corridors that connect the cities of Johnson County. In 1983, the Board identified a need for a program which focuses on constructing and maintaining the County’s major corridors.  In response to this need the Board created the County Assistance Road System (CARS) program.

The CARS program provides funds to the cities of Johnson County to construct and maintain their major arterials.  Each year the cities submit a 5-year road improvement plan to Johnson County.  Using a scoring system, Johnson County selects projects and allocates funds. The County pays 50% of the project’s construction and construction inspection costs.  Cities are responsible for design, right-of-way, and utility relocation costs.  

Emphasizing the issue of interconnectivity, only major arterial and some minor collector streets are eligible for the CARS program.  For example, major arterial streets such as Metcalf, Antioch, 119th, and 75th Street are eligible; residential or local streets are not eligible for the program and are the responsibility of the cities. Types of projects eligible for the CARS program are: Capacity Improvements (additional lanes), Major Maintenance (overlays, patching), System Management (intersection improvements, traffic signals, turn lanes), Bridges (replacement or rehabilitation), and Route Enhancements (sidewalks, bike paths, lights.)