News Releases
Keep up on the latest KTA news by reading our press releases below.
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Open Road Tolling project wins multiple industry awards
May 18, 2018
The Kansas Turnpike Authority announces its open road tolling project near Kansas City (I-70/KTA mile marker 217) is the recipient of two awards:
- 2018 Best of Intelligent Transportation Systems award from the Heartland Chapter of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America
- 2018 Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award for the Eastern Chapter of the Kansas Society of Professional Engineers.
The reconstruction of the Eastern Terminal toll plaza took place in 2017 and converted the toll area just west of Kansas City to a new style of tolling known as open road tolling. This change allows highway speed travel through the left or middle of the tolling area while still providing a cash option to the right.
“It seems only fitting to share news of these two awards during National Transportation week, which celebrates transportation infrastructure, efficiencies and effectiveness,” said David Jacobson, KTA’s Director of Engineering. “We’re proud of the role we’ve played to improve the efficiency of travel in Kansas.”
Eastern Terminal was the first of three Turnpike toll plazas located on the roadway itself to be converted. The East Topeka toll plaza is currently under construction with completion scheduled for fall 2018 followed by Southern Terminal near the Oklahoma border in 2019. More information is available at www.ksturnpike.com/openroad
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Run for the Wall riders to stop at Topeka service area
May 17, 2018
TOPEKA, Kan.—The Topeka service area (I-70/KTA mile marker 189) will host hundreds of motorcyclists traveling through Kansas from Ontario, CA to Washington D.C. for the 30th annual Run for the Wall event. Riders will stop at the Topeka service area Monday, May 21, 2018 around 8:30 a.m. where they will be welcomed by the Kansas Turnpike Authority, Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas ABATE chapter.
Run for the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by veterans who have served our nation. The ride is designed to promote healing among veterans, their families and friends; to call for an accounting of all prisoners of war and those missing in action; to honor the memory of those killed in all wars; and support military personnel all over the world. Since 2018 is the 30th anniversary, the number of riders is expected to be increased from previous years.
KTA and KDOT employees will be in attendance to greet riders. KTA is donating $500 of fuel to the riders and EZ-Go, the Topeka Service Area convenience store, is donating water.
The 30th annual Run for the Wall event began May 16. Topeka’s route is one of three different routes that will meet in Arlington, VA and conclude at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington D.C. on May 27.
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Pavement resurfacing on I-335/KTA to begin May 21
May 15, 2018
Emporia, Kan. – A pavement resurfacing project on I-335/KTA between mile markers 133.2 and 167.8 is set to begin Monday, May 21, 2018 and will be completed in late October, weather permitting.
The project includes milling and inlaying the driving lanes and sealing the shoulders of I-335/KTA. The Admire Interchange located at mile marker 147 will also be resurfaced.
Drivers can expect single lane closures between mile markers 133 and 168 on I-335/KTA with a 12-foot width restriction and speed reduced to 65 mph. They are encouraged to follow directions on posted signs and to use caution within the work zone.
Motorists 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.
Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc., Topeka, KS was awarded this contract for $9,853,950.50 in March 2018.
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KTA encourages travelers to explore Kansas
May 9, 2018
WICHITA, Kan. – With summer travel on the horizon and this week marking travel and tourism week, the Kansas Turnpike Authority is encouraging travelers to get out and explore Kansas through its new campaign, “Small Trip. Big Memories.” The campaign highlights local favorites along the Turnpike – shops, restaurants, events, educational and other attractions – at explore.myktag.com.
“Kansas is full of fun, and often lesser-known attractions that are perfect for an easy getaway,” said Megan Stewart, KTA’s Marketing & Outreach Manager. “This campaign highlights opportunities for travelers to take small trips but make some big memories.”
The interactive website, explore.myktag.com, features new locations to explore each week and allows travelers to search attractions based upon location and interest. Featured locations are a result of partnerships with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and communities along the 236-mile roadway.
A short video highlighting the “Small Trip. Big Memories.” campaign is available at http://bit.ly/2IuKpXK
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KTA awards contract in April
May 1, 2018
WICHITA, Kan. – The Kansas Turnpike Authority announces a bid has been approved and a contract awarded on an upcoming Turnpike construction project.
Project #7107 – A project to improve acceleration and deceleration lanes to the South Wichita Interchange at mile marker 42 on I-35/KTA was awarded to Cornejo & Sons, LLC, Wichita, KS, for $1,850,082.19.
Construction is anticipated to begin in late-May with details available closer to that time on www.ksturnpike.com and impacts to traffic posted on 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.
