News Releases
Keep up on the latest KTA news by reading our press releases below.
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KTA, Governor and partners announce new “fast charging” electric vehicle stations at three service areas
Jul 18, 2019
WICHITA, Kan.— The Kansas Turnpike Authority in partnership with Westar Energy and KCP&L have come together to announce new electric vehicle charging stations along the Kansas Turnpike. The “Fast Charging” technology, strategically located along the Turnpike, will allow Kansans and visitors to travel throughout the state while helping to eliminate “range anxiety” or the fear an electric car battery will run out of power before the destination.
“Electric vehicle charging stations are something we’ve been asked about by customers,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited to make this request a reality for our electric vehicle customers.”
Located at the Towanda (MM 65 I-35/KTA), Topeka (MM 188 I-70/KTA) and Lawrence (MM 209 I-70/KTA) service areas, each location will include two DC Fast charging stations and one Level 2 station. Typically, a DC Fast charging station can fully charge most electric vehicles in under 30 minutes.
“Charging stations along the Kansas Turnpike let electric vehicle drivers know Kansas welcomes and appreciates them,” said Terry Bassham, president and CEO, for Westar Energy and KCP&L. “Westar and KCP&L are glad to partner with KTA to make charging in the region more prevalent and convenient for EV drivers.”
The new stations join Westar and KCP&L’s already established network of EV charging stations, which currently includes more than 2,200 charging ports, making for one of the largest electric vehicle charging station networks in the country. Manufactured by ChargePoint, the stations also allow drivers to tap into ChargePoint’s nationwide network of charging stations.
The electric vehicle charging stations are open and ready to be used by travelers using electric vehicles at the three service areas.
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Director of Engineering receives statewide recognition
Jun 28, 2019
WICHITA, Kan.— David Jacobson, Kansas Turnpike Authority’s Director of Engineering, has been named the 2019 Engineer of the Year by the Kansas Society of Professional Engineers. This award recognizes an engineer’s outstanding contributions to their profession and community.
Jacobson was selected for the award based on his work leading KTA’s decade-long improvement plan focused on modernizing and preserving the system, while enhancing safety, efficiency and the customer travel experience.
“I’m truly very honored by this recognition,” said Jacobson. “Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with many internal and external partners. This award is due to them and the great relationships we’ve developed.”
KTA modernization and preservation efforts, led by Jacobson, include highway speed electronic lanes, increased vertical bridge clearance, bridge rehabilitation and various guardrail improvements.
“Our organization has greatly benefited from David’s leadership and engineering expertise,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA’s Chief Executive Officer. “He stands at the helm of our modernization efforts and is instrumental in our work to transform tolling in Kansas.”
At KTA, Jacobson leads a team of office and field personnel and other professional engineers. Within Kansas, Jacobson has held and continues to hold multiple leadership roles, including Board Secretary of the Engineers’ Foundation of Kansas.
Jacobson was honored at the 2019 KSPE Annual Conference earlier this month.
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Contract awarded on upcoming construction project
Jun 3, 2019
EMPORIA, Kan. – The Kansas Turnpike Authority announces a bid has been approved and a contract awarded on an upcoming Turnpike construction project.
Contract #7482 – A two-year project in Chase and Lyon Counties was awarded to Cornejo & Sons LLC, Wichita, KS for $15,309,973.20. The project includes:
- Acceleration and deceleration ramp and parking lot improvements at the Emporia service area (mile marker 132, I-335/KTA);
- Drainage improvements (mile marker 132.2, I-335/KTA);
- Expansion joint repairs on northbound and southbound bridges (mile markers 124.68 and 125.22, I-35/KTA); and
- Pavement mill and inlay from mile marker 112.3, I-35/KTA to mile marker 133.2, I-335/KTA.
Construction will begin in July and is scheduled for completion in summer 2020. Details will be available closer to the start date on www.ksturnpike.com with 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.
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Roadside assistance summer program begins again
May 23, 2019
WICHITA, Kan.— The State Farm Safety Assist program is once again expanding to assist Kansas Turnpike travelers during the busy summer travel season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The program, a sponsorship between State Farmâ and the Kansas Turnpike Authority, provides free initial roadside assistance on busy sections of the Turnpike.
The program already operates on I-70/KTA year-round. During the summer months, an additional vehicle patrols this heavily-traveled northeast Turnpike corridor, and one vehicle patrols I-35/KTA, from Wichita to the Oklahoma border. The State Farm Safety Assist runs Monday through Friday 6-10 am and 3-7 pm and Sunday from 3-7 pm. If you need assistance on the Kansas Turnpike, call KTA’s Incident Management Center at *KTA (*582).
“We aim to provide excellent customer service to our travelers, and this program is another service KTA and State Farm can provide,” said Jason Weber, KTA Roadway Operations Manager. “By taking care of vehicle-related issues, the program also helps out the Kansas Highway Patrol troop assigned to the Turnpike and allows them to focus more on law enforcement activities.”
The State Farm Safety Assist vehicles are equipped with various equipment and tools 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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Run for the Wall riders to stop at Topeka service area
May 17, 2019
TOPEKA, Kan.—The Topeka service area (I-70/KTA mile marker 188) will host hundreds of motorcyclists traveling through Kansas from Ontario, CA to Washington D.C. for the annual Run for the Wall event. Riders will stop at the Topeka service area Monday, May 20, 2019 around 8:30 a.m. where they will be welcomed by the Kansas Turnpike Authority, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas ABATE chapter and the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs.
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.
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 ride began May 15 in Ontario, CA. 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.
