News Releases
Keep up on the latest KTA news by reading our press releases below.
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Construction to lift bridges begins June 1
May 28, 2021
WICHITA, Kan.— A two-year project to increase the vertical clearance of 11 bridges crossing over I-35 & I-335/KTA between mile markers (MM) 105 – 161 in Chase, Lyon and Osage counties, is set to begin Tuesday, June 1 with the bridge located at MM 114.6 on I-35/KTA (Yy Road, Chase County.)
This project is the fourth round of bridge liftings to take place on the Kansas Turnpike. Construction at each bridge location will take approximately two months to complete, with work occurring at two or more locations at the same time. Each bridge will be lifted to provide at least 15’-9” of clearance. Learn more about the lifting process in this video.
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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Holiday weekend kicks off State Farm® Safety Assist summer program
May 25, 2021
WICHITA, Kan.— The State Farm Safety Assist summer program is back this year to assist Kansas Turnpike drivers as travel picks up from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This program is a sponsorship between State Farmâ and the Kansas Turnpike Authority and provides free initial roadside assistance on busy sections of the Turnpike.
“As more vehicles get back on the road this summer, KHP has seen an increase in incidents such as drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving,” said John Lehnherr, KHP Troop G Captain. “Having the State Farm Safety Assist program allows our troopers to focus on safety enforcement.”
The State Farm Safety Assist program operates on I-70/KTA year-round; however, during summer months, additional vehicles patrol the heavily-traveled northeast Turnpike corridor as well as I-35/KTA from Wichita to the Oklahoma border. This program runs Monday through Friday from 6-10 a.m. and 3 -7 p.m., and on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. If you need assistance while on the Turnpike, call KTA’s Incident Management Center at *KTA (*582).
“Customer service and safety are important to KTA and this program is one way we can provide that to our travelers,” said Jason Weber, KTA Roadway Operations Manager. “We hope our customers never need roadside assistance, but if they do, our motor assist technicians are here to help. We encourage our travelers to be prepared before trips by making sure their vehicles are properly maintained and carrying an emergency kit, just in case.”
The State Farm Safety Assist vehicles are equipped with various tools and equipment to help assist in tire changes, directing traffic and minor mechanical solutions. All services offered are free to travelers.
The State Farm Safety Assist Program is not intended to replace or interfere with services provided by private businesses. Technicians will provide only immediate services needed to assist customers in getting off the side of the road and to help maintain the flow of traffic.
To learn more about the State Farm Safety Assist program, visit http://bit.ly/2kFesRg
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Contracts awarded on upcoming construction projects
May 4, 2021
WICHITA, Kan.— The Kansas Turnpike Authority announces bids have been approved and contracts awarded on three upcoming Turnpike construction projects.
Contract #7668 – For redecking and raising vertical clearance of two bridges at MM 171.34 and 172.477 on I-335/KTA in Shawnee County was awarded to Wildcat Construction Co., Inc. & Subsidiaries, Wichita, KS, for the bid amount of $2,810,460.15. This project is expected to begin in June 2021 and be completed by the end of September 2022, weather permitting.
Contract #7729 – For raising vertical clearance of 11 bridges, including guardrail, bridge pier protection, and slope improvements was awarded to Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., Kansas City, MO, for an amount not to exceed $8,957,861. This project is expected to begin in June 2021 and be completed in October 2022, weather permitting.
Contract #7794 – For fabrication and delivery of 36 equipment enclosure buildings needed for cashless tolling zones was awarded to Dupont Building, Inc., Bell City, LA for the bid amount of $1,105,441.20. Toll zones are expected to be constructed from 2021-2023.
Construction details will be available closer to the start dates on http://www.ksturnpike.com with updates on this and other projects published monthly in KTA’s electronic newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter using the form at www.ksturnpike.com/communication.
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KTA encourages motorcycle safety & offers new K-TAG
Apr 30, 2021
WICHITA, Kan.— May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Kansas Turnpike Authority reminds drivers to “share the road” and check blind spots as motorcycle activity increases during the summer months.
KTA also encourages motorcyclists to take precautions. Riders should always wear a helmet; cancel turn signals when complete if not automatically done; ride in the middle of the lane to increase visibility; wear protective clothing, such as riding jackets and boots; and follow all traffic laws, such as never drinking and driving.
“We’re also excited to tell motorcyclists about a new K-TAG designed specifically for motorcycles,” said Rachel Bell, KTA’s Director of Business Services & Customer Relations. “This is the first summer these new ‘motorcycle’ sticker K-TAGs are being offered, and just like our other sticker K-TAGs, they are free, keep you moving through the toll plaza, and give you the lowest toll rate on our road.”
Riders can learn more about the new motorcycle K-TAG and order online at www.myktag.com.
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Chase County student named winner of annual design contest
Apr 26, 2021
WICHITA, Kan. — Sophia Glanville of Chase County Junior Senior High School is the winner of the Kansas Turnpike Authority’s sixth annual design contest. This contest celebrates National Work Zone Awareness Week and encourages teen drivers to be aware of safe driving behaviors through work zones.
National Work Zone Awareness Week is a safety campaign held each spring highlighting the need for safe, attentive driving through work zones to prevent injuries and fatalities for workers and motorists.
“Sophia did a great job of presenting the importance of staying focused while in a work zone for her design,” said Rachel Bell, KTA’s Director of Business Services & Customer Relations. “Distractions effect drivers of all ages, so finding ways to creatively instill safe driving habits in important to us.”
Contestants submitted a ¾ page advertisement focused on work zone safety. Sophia’s work will be published in VYPE Magazine and KTA’s monthly newsletter, Turnpike Times. View Sophia’s work, as well as the other finalists, at https://www.flickr.com/photos/ksturnpike/albums/72157718991178171.
