News Releases
Keep up on the latest KTA news by reading our press releases below.
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KTA’s first cashless ramp paves way for cashless tolling
Feb 1, 2021
WICHITA, Kan.— Earlier today, the Kansas Turnpike Authority opened its first cashless exit ramp in east Wichita, connecting southbound I-35/KTA travelers to westbound Kellogg/US-54/400. A virtual opening took place earlier today. Watch a video on how this ramp works or visit KTA’s cashless tolling page.
“Opening the new cashless exit ramp in Wichita is a huge milestone for KTA and our customers,” said Steve Hewitt, KTA CEO. “Through feedback, we know customers want to keep moving and connect seamlessly with other roadways. We are pleased that this ramp is KTA’s first step toward a cashless, non-stop system.”
The opening of the new ramp sets the stage for KTA to convert to a cashless system, as announced in January 2020. Cashless tolling is one aspect of KTA’s DRIVING CHANGE 2025 initiative.
“We are in the process of designing this new cashless system. This exit serves as a nice transition to what customers will eventually see along the roadway,” said Bruce Meisch, KTA’s Director of Information Technology and project lead on the conversion to cashless tolling. “It’s an exciting time at KTA, for our employees and our customers.”
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KTA opens new cashless tolling exit to WB Kellogg on Monday
Jan 28, 2021
Note: Originally released by partners in the East Kellogg Improvement projects about KTA's new exit, 53A.
WICHITA, KS – A new, cashless exit from the Kansas Turnpike to US 54/Kellogg Avenue is scheduled to open during the morning on Monday, February 1, with a virtual celebration.
The exit is another milestone for the East Kellogg improvement projects and a first for the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) – one of three partners on projects, which includes the Kansas Department of Transportation and City of Wichita. It will be a different experience for travelers, particularly customers who typically use a tollbooth to pay with cash or card.
This is how it works:
- Drivers traveling on the turnpike will use Exit 53A for West US 54/400/Kellogg Avenue, follow the posted speed limit and slowly merge into westbound traffic.
- Drivers will not stop to pay their toll.
- Electronic customers will be billed as normal. Instead of paying at a tollbooth, customers who usually pay with cash or card will have 10 days to go online to www.paykta.com. There they can pay for their trip at the cash rate using their license plate, after the trip has been processed.
- If the toll is not paid within 10 days, a statement will be mailed at a higher rate. Failure to pay the statement will result in a violation statement.
- More information is available through this instructional video: “How PayKTA.com Works”
Wildcat Construction is the contractor for the multi-year projects, which started in August 2015 and includes a redesigned Kellogg and Webb intersection and widening of Kellogg from Webb to Greenwich. A second project, started in 2016, continues widening Kellogg to a six-lane freeway between Greenwich and K-96. In addition to this new turnpike exit, new ramps are being constructed for eastbound US 54 to both northbound and southbound I-35/KTA.
While the project at Webb Road is considered substantially complete, both projects are expected to be finalized in late 2021, weather permitting.
To be part of the virtual opening celebration, follow Kansas Turnpike on Facebook. View this cashless tolling page on KTA’s web site to learn more. For information about the East Kellogg improvement projects, go to eastkelloggimprovements.com, or follow the progress on Twitter @e54ict.
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Editor’s Note: Safety is a top priority. If you want to film or take photos, please contact us.
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Contract awarded on upcoming construction project
Jan 11, 2021
WICHITA, Kan.— The Kansas Turnpike Authority announces a bid has been approved and contract awarded on an upcoming Turnpike construction project.
Contract #7756 – For painting and rehabilitation of five service area water towers was awarded to Cunningham Inc., Joplin, MO for $479,800. The towers are located at the Belle Plaine (MM 26), Towanda (MM 65), Matfield Green (MM 97), Emporia (MM 132), and Lawrence (MM 209) Service Areas.
Construction details will be available closer to the start date 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 maintains financial strength and customer approval as it prepares to open first cashless exit
Dec 17, 2020
WICHITA, Kan.— Despite challenges related to the ongoing pandemic, the Kansas Turnpike Authority has maintained its solid financial position, customer feedback remains positive and operational plans are moving forward as scheduled.
“This year has been extremely challenging yet still productive.” said Steve Hewitt, KTA’s CEO. “We remained committed to projects that, in addition to improving the Turnpike system, inject much-needed investment into the economy.”
KTA’s most recent annual report for fiscal year 2020 reveals the agency met its financial goals. Net position increased by $28.8M and long-term debt decreased by $10.7M. KTA also maintained the highest bond rating possible for a toll authority – Aa2 with a Stable Outlook – from Moody’s Investors Service.
Results from KTA’s annual customer satisfaction survey show 78% of customers are very or completely satisfied with the value they receive for the tolls paid. The survey also affirms KTA’s direction to modernize its system, with the majority of travelers supporting increased compatibility with other tolling systems, removal of toll booths and expansion to accommodate additional traffic.
At the start of 2020, KTA announced plans to convert to a cashless system. Conversion efforts continued during the pandemic and will be evident when KTA’s first cashless exit opens in East Wichita in the coming weeks. The new exit ramp will allow southbound I-35/KTA drivers to move seamlessly onto westbound Kellogg without stopping. Those with a K-TAG, or other compatible transponder, will be charged the lowest toll rate as normal. Customers usually paying at a toll booth will be able to go online to pay their toll. Learn how toll collection at this exit will work.
“We’re looking forward to opening the state’s first cashless exit in the new year,” Hewitt said. “It will provide a seamless travel experience and lay the groundwork for KTA becoming a cashless system.”
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Winners of Safety Message Contest announced
Dec 15, 2020
WICHITA, Kan. — The winners of the Kansas Turnpike Authority’s first annual safety message contest have been selected. This contest raised awareness about safe driving habits not only for new teen drivers, but also adults.
Adult division winners:
1. Heidi Gowen, Lawrence: Buzzed is for / haircuts, not / highways
2. Owen Bolan, Wichita area: Rudolph Alert / spotted nearby / Be alert!!!
3. Jennifer Sumrell, Wichita: Leave flying / to Rudolph / Slow downYouth division winners:
1. Grace Jowers, Topeka: Santa wears a / belt, so should / you. Buckle up
2. Rylee Hoffer, Topeka: Holiday cheers / should never / bring tears
3. Seth Madron, McPherson: Alcohol / will make / you stall“Regardless of how your travel patterns may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, KTA still wants to reinforce safe driving habits,” said Rachel Bell, KTA Director of Business Services & Customer Relations. “We want you to buckle up, not drive impaired or distracted and to always keep safety as a priority.”
Participants submitted a three-line message focused on safe driving habits. The winners of the Youth division will be published in VYPE Magazine and the winners of the Adult division will be featured along the Turnpike.
