News Releases
Keep up on the latest KTA news by reading our press releases below.
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Multiple projects to begin or resume in March
Mar 6, 2020
WICHITA, Kan.— Construction season is set to begin on the Kansas Turnpike, with multiple projects starting or resuming by March 17, weather permitting. These projects, including linked additional details, and their traffic impacts include:
- Ramp and Drainage Improvements (Wellington): Project to increase drainage capacity at mile marker (MM) 19.8 on I-35/KTA and lengthen acceleration/deceleration ramps at the Wellington toll plaza. Expect single lane traffic with a 60 MPH speed reduction.
- Bridge Reconstruction and Ramp Improvements (Belle Plaine): A two-year project for a bridge reconstruction from MM 25-26 on I-35/KTA and ramp improvements at the Belle Plaine service area. Expect single lane traffic, 65 MPH speed reduction and 12-foot width restrictions.
- Bridge Raising/Elevation (Sumner, Butler and Chase Counties): Construction will resume to increase the vertical clearance on 3 remaining bridges will begin at MM 65.587 I-35/KTA. Expect single lane traffic with 12-foot width restrictions.
- Bridge Redeck and Widening (Andover): Project to redeck and widen mainline bridges at MM 55.917, north and southbound, on I-35/KTA. Expect single lane traffic, 65 MPH speed reduction and 12-foot width restrictions.
- Pavement Surfacing with Ramp Improvements (El Dorado & Cassoday): Pavement surfacing project from MM 70.8 to 96.3 on I-35/KTA with ramp improvements at the El Dorado and Cassoday interchanges. Expect single lanes near the plazas through June with daily lane closures following.
- Bridge Redeck and Rehabilitation (Chase County): Work to redeck and widen a mainline bridge will resume at MM 99.96 on I-35/KTA . Expect single lane traffic, 65 MPH speed reduction and 12-foot width restrictions.
- Bridge, Drainage & Paving (Emporia): The second half of a two-year project will resume with bridge work at MM 124.68 & MM 125.22 and drainage and ramp improvements on I-335/KTA at the Emporia service area. Expect single lane traffic, 65 MPH speed reduction and 12-foot width restrictions.
- Bridge Redeck and Widening (Admire): Project to redeck and widen mainline bridges at MM 143.1, north and southbound, on I-335/KTA. Expect single lane traffic, 65 MPH speed reduction and 12-foot width restrictions.
- Drainage Improvements (Admire): Project to increase drainage capacity at MM 151.5 and MM 153.8 on I-335/KTA. Expect single lane traffic, 65 MPH speed reduction and 12-foot width restrictions.
- Bridge Rehabilitation and Raising (K-31): Redeck and increase vertical clearance of overhead K-31 bridge at MM 155.5 over I-335/KTA. Expect periodic lane closures during the project.
Travelers can learn all about Turnpike projects planned for 2020. Additional information about each project can be found in a monthly construction update by KTA’s Director of Engineering on KTA’s construction page.
Drivers are urged to check for traffic impacts at www.KanDrive.org, subscribe to KTA Alerts for roadway incident information http://bit.ly/KHeX6g, follow the Kansas Turnpike on Twitter, and watch for information on KTA’s digital message signs. Construction updates on this and other projects are published monthly in KTA’s electronic newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter using the form located at the bottom of any page on www.ksturnpike.com.
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KTA announces 2020 construction projects
Feb 20, 2020
WICHITA, Kan.— The Kansas Turnpike Authority has announced its 2020 construction plans along the 236-mile roadway. These plans include 10 new projects and four projects carrying over from the 2019 construction season. The combined 14 contracts are valued at more than $171 million and focus on preservation, modernization and enhancement of the Kansas Turnpike.
“While we’re modernizing our system and making enhancements, it is important for us to keep preserving our existing infrastructure,” said David Jacobson, KTA’s Director of Engineering. “We have exciting modernization projects like drainage improvements and lengthening ramps, but the preservation projects—paving, bridge re-decking and painting—allow us to maintain what we already have.”
2020 is the fifth year of construction projects identified in KTA’s 2015 Long Term Needs Study. During these five years, approximately $258.7 million has been invested on 30 completed project contracts and seven that are underway. Travelers can view a 2020 construction overview video to learn all about projects planned this year. Additional information about each project can be found on KTA’s monthly construction update.
Drivers are urged to check for traffic impacts at www.KanDrive.org, subscribe to KTA Alerts for roadway incident information http://bit.ly/KHeX6g, follow the Kansas Turnpike on Twitter, and watch for information on KTA’s digital message signs. Construction updates on this and other projects are published monthly in KTA’s electronic newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter using the form located at the bottom of any page on www.ksturnpike.com.
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Contracts awarded on two spring construction projects
Feb 7, 2020
WICHITA, Kan.— The Kansas Turnpike Authority announces bids have been approved and contracts awarded on two upcoming Turnpike construction projects. Work on both projects will begin in March 2020 and are scheduled for completion in December, weather permitting.
Contract #7506 – To redeck and raise an overhead bridge at MM 155.5, which carries K-31 over I-335/KTA, was awarded to Wildcat Construction Co., Inc. & Subsidiaries, Wichita, KS, for $1,464,445.39.
Contract #7557 - Reinforced concrete box drainage improvements on I-335/KTA at MM 151.5 and MM 153.8, was awarded to King’s Construction, Oskaloosa, KS, for $1,936,481.
Construction details will be available closer to the start date on http://www.ksturnpike.com with impacts to traffic posted on http://www.kandrive.org/. Construction updates on this and other projects are published monthly in KTA’s electronic newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter using the form located at the bottom of any page on www.ksturnpike.com.
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KTA hosts fifth annual design contest for teens
Jan 31, 2020
WICHITA, Kan.—The Kansas Turnpike Authority is seeking submissions from creative students for its fifth annual design contest for students in grades 8-12. The contest is one of several awareness efforts held in partnership with the Kansas Department of Transportation for National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20-24. The week aims to raise awareness about fatality prevention while traveling through work zones.
Teen students throughout the state are encouraged to participate. The winner will receive $200. Additionally, he or she will get their art published in VYPE Magazine, a high school sports magazine for south central and central Kansas, including the Wichita and Salina areas.
Entries must meet specific criteria:
- Submission must be submitted online at www.ksturnpike.com/contests by 11:59 p.m. (CT), Sunday, April 12, 2020.
- Art dimensions: 7.5 inches wide by 7.75 inches tall.
- Must be 300 dpi
- Must be in CMYK color format
- Must be original work of the student—no clip art.
- Do not use the KTA or KDOT logo in your design.
- Must be in PDF format (However, art mediums incorporated into the final design may include, but are not limited to, illustration, photography, digital design, etc.)
- Incorporate a work zone safety message. Message can include, but not limited to:
- Work Zone Speed Limits
- Distracted Driving
- Driver/Worker Safety
Those interested in the contest can view details and previous winners at www.ksturnpike.com/contests.
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KTA announces new strategic plan: DRIVING CHANGE 2025
Jan 8, 2020
WICHITA, Kan.— The Kansas Turnpike Authority has announced a new strategic plan DRIVING CHANGE 2025 that will guide the organization’s ability to provide Kansas transportation solutions.
“KTA is a customer-driven organization with a clear vision for the future,” said KTA CEO Steve Hewitt. “We are excited about the role the Turnpike plays in the state economy and want to position the organization for future partnership projects.”
DRIVING CHANGE 2025 supports organizational goals with four strategic initiatives, including a concentrated move toward cashless tolling and nationwide compatibility.
“Our customers and employees are changing. Nearly 65 percent of travelers use an electronic transponder and the majority of our workforce is nearing retirement age,” Hewitt said. “KTA has focused on modernization for the past five years, removing gates and adding highway speed electronic lanes. We must continue this effort in order to maintain KTA’s strong position as a safe, reliable and customer-valued turnpike system.”
Travelers will experience construction on the roadway due to ongoing projects outlined in KTA’s 2015 Long Term Needs Study. Much of the work associated with the four strategic initiatives will be behind-the-scenes. Additional information about KTA is available on its website. To learn more or engage, connect with KTA on social media.
EDITOR’S NOTE: View a video message from KTA CEO Steve Hewitt regarding KTA’s Strategic Plan and conversion to cashless tolling: https://youtu.be/n21nFufGeB8
