The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced Oct. 22 a $442 million investment in transportation infrastructure statewide. The funding represents the fourth round of projects added to the development pipeline for the state’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), which launched in 2020.
The announcement took place in Lindsborg, where one of the nine selected projects will improve access to the city from Interstate 135. The projects are designed to strengthen, expand and modernize the state highway system, according to officials.
KDOT Secretary Reed emphasized the importance of local partnerships and community involvement in the IKE program’s continued success. Gov. Kelly called the program a powerful driver of economic growth and noted that KDOT has met its mid-program targets for each region, demonstrating progress in the projects statewide.
Construction on the nine projects will begin between 2028 and 2030, with IKE program funds distributed as work progresses. The projects include:
- $157 million – The Centennial Bridge replacement and four-lane expansion project in Leavenworth County will modernize a critical crossing and is expected to begin construction in 2028.
- $120 million – Interchange improvements on Kansas 96 at Rock Road and Woodlawn Road in Sedgwick County are meant to ease congestion in the Wichita area with construction starting in 2029.
- $43 million – A new interchange at Kansas 10 and Lone Elm Road in Johnson County will improve traffic flow and safety, scheduled for 2030.
- $35 million – Passing lanes will be added to U.S. Route 169 in Anderson and Allen counties to enhance safety and mobility starting in 2029.
- $33 million – U.S. Route 83 will receive passing lane additions in Scott and Finney counties beginning in 2029.
- $17 million – U.S. Route 281 will be reconstructed through Russell and Osborne counties with work expected to start in 2028.
- $15 million – Kansas 33 reconstruction and shoulder widening in Douglas County is scheduled for 2030.
- $11 million – The Kansas 4 and Bethany Drive reconstruction in Lindsborg will improve access from Interstate 135 and remove an aging bridge, with construction slated for 2029.
- $11 million – Kansas 33 will be reconstructed with widened shoulders in Franklin County beginning in 2030.
The IKE program launched in 2020 as a 10-year, nearly $10 billion investment in Kansas transportation infrastructure. Officials describe the program as a bipartisan commitment to practical improvements across highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, short-line rail and pedestrian paths. The program also includes completion of delayed projects from the state’s previous T-WORKS program, with a focus on addressing that backlog before starting new modernization or expansion work.
KDOT selects new projects every two years for the IKE development pipeline. The multimodal approach allows the state to address transportation needs beyond traditional highway projects, supporting connectivity across different modes of travel.
Gov. Kelly said KDOT has met its mid-program targets for each of Kansas’ six geographic regions, demonstrating the program’s success. With this latest announcement, the IKE development pipeline now includes 17 initiatives valued at $932 million, according to earlier KDOT announcements.
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