News Releases

Kansas Turnpike Authority and KDOT Welcomes Run for the Wall Riders

May 15, 2015

Wichita, KS - Hundreds of motorcyclists will be traveling through Kansas en route to Washington, D.C., to honor military veterans May 16-18. Many of them are expected to stop at the Kansas Turnpike Topeka service area Monday where they will be welcomed by the Kansas Turnpike Authority, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas ABATE chapter.

“We’re pleased to once again partner with KDOT and the Kansas ABATE chapter to host this unique event and welcome riders’ on their trip through Kansas,” said Kansas Turnpike CEO Steve Hewitt. “We appreciate the riders and thank the veterans for their service to our country.”

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. 

Employees of the KTA and KDOT will pump gas, hand out water and greet the more than 500 motorcyclists and veterans that are expected as they make their way through Kansas. The KTA is donating $500 worth of gasoline to the riders. 

This years’ Run for the Wall is the 27th annual event. The ride started in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., on May 13, traveling three different routes and will join back together on May 22. 

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May 15, 2015 Media Release

K-TAG Retail Center Opens in East Wichita

Apr 24, 2015

Wichita, KS – As a way to improve customer service and efficiency, the Kansas Turnpike Authority opened a new K-TAG Retail Center at their east Kellogg toll plaza. The grand opening festivities took place Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 2 p.m.

At the K-TAG Retail Center customers will be able to get a new or replacement K-TAGs, learn how a K-TAG can save them time and tolls when traveling on the Turnpike and make changes or a payment to their account. 

“Opening our K-TAG Retail Center aligns with our company values of making improvements and providing great customer service,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA’s CEO. “K-TAG is more accessible to our customers with a permanent retail presence.”

The K-TAG Retail Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. K-TAGs can also be order online at http://www.myktag.com and by calling 1-800-USE-KTAG (1-800-873-5824).

Editor’s note: Photos available at http://bit.ly/1Pq8UiZ

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April 24, 2015 Media Release

Pavement Project Near East Topeka Toll Plazas Begins April 20

Apr 17, 2015

Wichita, KS – A concrete pavement patching project at the Kansas Turnpike’s two east Topeka toll plazas (mile marker 182 on I-470/Turnpike and mile marker 183 on I-70/Turnpike) that also includes four connecting ramps to K-4 and I-70 will begin Monday, April 20, weather permitting. (See attached PDF.) Crews will be replacing deteriorated concrete sections of the roadway.

The project begins with crews working on the ramp connecting I-470/Turnpike from exit 182 to K-4. Also included in this phase are the eastbound I-70 and the southbound K-4 ramps both connecting to the toll plaza at mile marker 182. There will be no lane closures in the ramp portion of the project, but lanes will be reduced from 28 to 14 feet.  Work on these ramps will take approximately two weeks.

Crews will then begin work on I-70/Turnpike around the most eastern Topeka toll plaza (mile marker 183). Since this is one of the Turnpike’s busiest toll plazas, motorists can expect lane closures for approximately two weeks.

“To minimize possible delays and to accommodate commuter traffic, we are requiring the contractor to keep two lanes open on westbound I-70 from 7-9 am and conversely maintain two open eastbound lanes between 3 pm and 6 pm,” said David Jacobson, KTA’s director of engineering. “We encourage travelers to be aware of this project and to always drive with caution in work zones.”

Drivers are urged to check for construction updates at http://www.kandrive.org, follow the Kansas Turnpike on Twitter, and watch for information on the KTA’s digital message boards.

Bettis Construction of Topeka, NE is the general contractor for the project.

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April 17, 2015 Media Release

Bridge Painting Project on I-35/Turnpike to Begin

Apr 6, 2015

***UPDATE: Start date changed to Monday, April 20.***

Wichita, KS – Painting of seven bridges crossing the Kansas Turnpike in Butler County will begin, Monday, April 13th, weather permitting. This routine maintenance project helps preserve and lengthen the life of the bridges.

The bridges are located between the west El Dorado toll plaza at milepost 71 and the Cassoday toll plaza at milepost 92. 

Contractors anticipate work on each bridge to take approximately two weeks with the entire project to be completed by late July. Work will be conducted during daylight hours only.

“While the project will involve daytime intermittent lane closures in both direction, we do not anticipate traffic being delayed.” said David Jacobson, KTA’s director of engineering. “We want travelers to be aware of the project and to drive with caution when in work zones.”

For additional information and updates as the project progresses, travelers are advised to follow the KTA on Twitter and Facebook or to check the state’s 511 Travelers Information system by dialing 511 or visiting http://www.kandrive.org.

Lindner Painting of Lincoln, NE is the general contractor and C-Hawk Construction of Topeka, KS will handle traffic control.

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April 6, 2015 Media Release

KTA Announces Recent Retirements

Apr 3, 2015

Three employees of the Kansas Turnpike Authority recently retired after a combined 51 years of service to the organization.

Danny Jackson (Council Grove, KS), Admire Maintenance Foreman, completed 31 years with the KTA. Jackson joined the KTA in November 1984 as an equipment operator, was promoted to Admire Assistant Foreman in 1991 and Admire Foreman in 2012. 

Master Trooper Alex Petigna (Shawnee, KS) ended a 27-year career with the Kansas Highway Patrol. He served the past 13 years with Troop G, the patrol unit assigned to the KTA. 

Master Trooper Mike Frederiksen (Wichita, KS) served Kansans for 26 years with the Kansas Highway Patrol and was part of KTA’s Troop G for the last seven years.

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April 3, 2015 Media Release