Kansas

[The Ghostbuster]

Wherever the new Chiefs stadium is built, the surrounding roads and highways will need to be upgraded and likely expanded.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Lots of projects coming to the Kansas Turnpike in 2026.

[Great Lakes Roads]

First express toll lanes in Kansas see rising but limited use

[mvak36]

https://www.ksdot.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6421/390?widgetId=3511

KDOT accepts bid for K-68 expansion in Miami County
Post Date: 06/29/2026 9:34 AM

The Kansas Department of Transportation has accepted a nearly $60 million bid for the expansion of more than 6 miles of K-68 in Miami County to a four-lane expressway.

Clarkson Construction Co., of Kansas City, Missouri, will rebuild and widen 6.6 miles of K-68 from U.S. 169 to the Spring Valley Road west of Louisburg. A previous project expanded K-68 to four lanes from near Spring Valley Road into Louisburg.

In the project, the existing two-lane highway will be expanded to four lanes separated by a median to improve safety, traffic flow and accommodate growth in Louisburg and other area communities.

Other improvements:

    Adding twin bridges over North Wea Creek about 3 miles east of U.S. 169. This would replace a two-lane bridge built in 1968.
    Adding turn lanes.
    Adding access roads off Woodland, Block, Oak Grove, Somerset, Beaver Creek and New Lancaster roads.
    Adding crossroad culverts along the route.

Construction is expected to take up to two years, and the project is part of KDOT's Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), a 10-year, $10 billion program focused on preserving, modernizing and expanding Kansas' transportation system. KDOT will provide updates regarding specific construction schedules and anticipated traffic impacts as the project start date approaches.

[Revive 755]

Wonder if KDOT will eventually continue the widening west to I-35? Interesting how there's already an ADT over 7,000 between US 169 and US 69 when at least on aerial imagery Paola and Louisburg don't look that big.

[mvak36]

Wonder if KDOT will eventually continue the widening west to I-35? Interesting how there's already an ADT over 7,000 between US 169 and US 69 when at least on aerial imagery Paola and Louisburg don't look that big.

I know the US169-US69 section is pretty busy. I haven't been west of US169 in a while though so not sure how it's like now. But I guess if more population is moving to Spring Hill, Paola, Louisburg, etc., then eventually they might do that section.

Unrelated to the K-68 project but in the vicinity, they had a public meeting recently regarding K-7/US169: https://www.ksdot.gov/projects/k-7-corridor-management-plan-in-johnson-county. So it seems like this area is growing. Personally, I wouldn't mind if they just built a freeway for the south section. For the north section, it might be too late to build a free-flowing connection to I-35 since it's all built up in the area.

[Great Lakes Roads]

KDOT releases more Information on $23.9 Million BUILD Grant for Junction City

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded a $23.9 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) discretionary grant to Junction City for the Rebuilding Grant Avenue Project.

The BUILD Grant application was the result of extensive collaboration among federal, state, regional, and local partners. The City of Junction City along with KDOT recognizes the dedication of numerous organizations and individuals whose leadership, technical expertise and advocacy helped secure this historic investment.

The project includes the reconstruction of an approximately two-mile length of Grant Avenue for safety improvements, resilient floodplain design, ADA-compliant multimodal facilities and durable pavement. The four-lane roadway will be reconstructed as an undivided, raised and crowned four-lane road with a center two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL), bus turnouts, vegetated swales, sidewalks, five street crossings and a roundabout.

"This monumental funding for the Grant Avenue Corridor reconstruction, works hand-in-glove with our EPA Recreation Economy for Rural Communities," said Junction City Mayor Terry Butler. "Together these projects represent a strategic leap forward. They will prove instrumental in economic growth, connecting our community and military assets, boosting outdoor recreation, revitalizing our downtown and positioning Junction City as a vibrant regional destination."

"This investment is a testament to the efforts of Junction City, KDOT and local partners to improve a high-volume corridor that will benefit Kansans and visitors alike," said Governor Laura Kelly. "I look forward to seeing this project increase reliability and mobility for Fort Riley and the greater region."

Grant Avenue is a vital corridor for a military-connected community and provides critical access that supports Fort Riley operations," said Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02). "I'm happy to see this historic investment that better connects Junction City with Fort Riley."

This grant will address documented safety and accessibility deficiencies, while providing a better connection for the local transportation network. Grant Avenue now carries over 14,000 vehicles per day, providing important access for commuters, emergency response and Fort Riley operations.

Kansas was also awarded three additional FY2026 BUILD grants:

1. City of Lenexa, Lone Elm Interchange Project - $16 million awarded
2. Pawnee County, Pawnee Feedlot Freight Access Project - $20.3 million awarded
3. City of Wichita, Eisenhower National Airport Interchange Planning and Design - $2.4 million awarded

Support for this grant application was provided by the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, whose purpose is to connect Kansas communities with federal grants to help fund infrastructure challenges.

The federal BUILD grant program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Kansas Turnpike Authority Announces $500M Long-Term Investment Plan

WICHITA, Kan.— The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) announced a long-term investment plan designed to preserve, modernize and strengthen the Kansas Turnpike for future generations while maintaining one of the region's safest and most reliable travel corridors.

The multi-year strategy outlines a nearly $500 million investment in infrastructure, facilities, technology and operational improvements across the 236-mile Turnpike system. The plan is guided by a long-term needs assessment and reflects KTA's commitment to responsibly stewarding a transportation asset that has served Kansas travelers for 70 years.

"For seven decades, Kansans have counted on the turnpike to provide reliable transportation," said Steve Hewitt, CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority. "Our responsibility is to preserve what works, modernize where needed and prepare the system for future demands. This investment plan allows us to continue delivering the safe, reliable experience customers expect while positioning the turnpike for the next generation of travelers."

The long-term investment plan includes projects and initiatives focused on:

-Modernizing and preserving roadway infrastructure
-Expanding capacity in growing travel corridors
-Improving interchanges and system connectivity
-Enhancing customer amenities and service areas
-Advancing technology and operational systems
-Supporting workforce readiness and organizational effectiveness

Customers are already seeing examples of these investments across the system.

The redevelopment of the Emporia Service Area, currently under construction, represents one visible example of KTA's broader strategy to modernize facilities and improve the customer experience. Additional investments include I-70 widening projects, interchange improvements and technology upgrades to support safer, more efficient travel.

For 70 years, travelers have counted on the Kansas Turnpike to connect communities, support commerce and provide reliable transportation. Ninety-five percent of surveyed drivers are satisfied with the toll value KTA provides. Additionally, the Kansas Turnpike handles commerce that drives 13% of the state's economy.

KTA receives no state or federal tax funding. Revenue generated on the Kansas Turnpike is reinvested directly into maintaining, preserving and improving the system customers use every day.

To support these long-term investments, the KTA Board of Directors approved a three-year annual toll adjustment of three percent for passenger vehicles (1-4 axles) and four percent for commercial vehicles (5+ axles) effective September 1, 2026. This is the first toll adjustment since 2022 and despite the change, KTA continues to provide one of the lowest toll rates in the nation.

"Long-term infrastructure requires long-term planning," Hewitt said. "The investments outlined in this plan were carefully evaluated and prioritized based on system needs, customer benefits and future growth. By planning ahead today, we're helping keep the Kansas Turnpike safe, reliable and ready to serve Kansas for decades to come."

Additional information about the long-term investment plan, project priorities and customer resources is available at KSturnpike.com/resources. For ongoing updates, subscribe to KTA's monthly newsletter at www.ksturnpike.com/communication.