K-232 is a north–south state highway in central Kansas connecting the cities of Wilson and Lucas. The highway was first established in 1961 and expanded over the following two years. K-232 is designated by the Kansas Department of Transportation as the Post RockScenic Byway. The scenic byway derives its name from the abundant Fencepost limestone, also known as the Post Rock, which early settlers used as fence posts and in other construction in place of wood. The route was designated as a scenic byway both for the natural beauty of the area and unique towns located each end of the highway. Annual average daily traffic on the highway ranges from 238 to 340, and the entire route is paved with partial designbituminous pavement.
History
K-232's route was first designated on August 23, 1961 as the part of the current highway between Interstate 70 and Old U.S. 40. The rest of the highway's route was established over the following two years. K-232 has been paved since the highway was designated. Due to the area's natural beauty and unique heritage, K-232 has been designated by the Kansas Department of Transportation as the Post Rock Scenic Byway, named for the abundance of limestone fence posts found throughout the Smoky Hills region.
Route description
The highway begins at an intersection with Old U.S. 40 in Ellsworth County, on the eastern side of the city of Wilson. From there, it travels northward along the eastern side of Wilson and through agricultural lands to a junction with Interstate 70. After crossing Interstate 70, K-232 turns and continues in a generally west of north direction across the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line. After crossing the county line, the highway continues on a slightly west of north heading until reaching Wilson Lake. Upon reaching Wilson Lake, K-232 travels along the eastern side of the lake, crossing into Russell County. K-232 then has a junction with K-181 at the southeastern end of Wilson Dam, turns northwest, and travels along the top of the dam. A short distance after crossing the dam, K-232 turns due north and travels through more rural land to its northern terminus at K-18 highway. K-232 is not a part of the United States National Highway System. K-232 connects to the National Highway System at its junction with Interstate 70. The entire route is paved with partial design bituminous pavement. Annual average daily traffic in Ellsworth County ranges from 307 from Interstate 70 to the Ellsworth/Lincoln county line to 333 closer to the city of Wilson. In Lincoln County, AADT values are 308 for the first, 315 for the next, and 340 for the final before entering Russell County. In Russell County, AADT values range from 305 to 340 south of the junction with K-181 and from 238 to 280 between K-181 and the northern terminus at K-18.
