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Kansas OKs $10 Billion Transportation Program as Economic Stimulus

Launched in 2020, the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program—known as IKE—is a decade-long initiative to modernize, expand and preserve the state’s road network. The $10-billion program publishes project data, bid results and progress reports through KDOT’s accountability and transparency portal.

What’s on Deck

The largest project in the new round is replacement of Route 92’s Centennial Bridge between Leavenworth, Kan., and Platte County, Mo. Plans call for a new four-lane bridge to be built just north of the existing Missouri River span, improving capacity and safety for a key freight and commuter route. 

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HDR and TranSystems are leading design development, which includes realigned approaches, new river piers, a widened deck with improved shoulders and upgraded navigation lighting coordinated with the Missouri Dept. of Transportation. 

KDOT reports that surveying, environmental review and right-of-way mapping are underway, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and continue through 2029. The project has an estimated construction cost of $157 million and a 2028 letting target. No prime contractor has been named.

Map highlights the nine Kansas counties where projects in the latest $442-million round of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program will advance. Graphic by ENR/Adobe Stock

In Johnson County, KDOT plans a new interchange at K-10 and Lone Elm Road to improve access and safety along the growing corridor. Environmental clearance has been completed, and HNTB is working with KDOT on preliminary design. The project, budgeted at about $43 million, is slated for a 2030 letting.

In Sedgwick County, a $120-million improvement package on the K-96 corridor between I-135 and I-35 will widen the route to six lanes and upgrade seven interchanges, including Rock and Woodlawn roads in northeast Wichita. 

WSP is serving as prime design consultant, with JEO Consulting Group handling corridor-wide surveying. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2029, with multiple bid packages expected.

Two U.S.169 passing-lane projects in Anderson and Allen counties will advance under the modernization track, totaling about $35 million. KDOT has initiated survey work and right-of-way mapping, with letting planned for 2029. 

Similarly, U.S. 83 in Scott and Finney counties will gain additional passing lanes under a $33-million program scheduled for 2029.

Smaller state route reconstruction projects round out the current wave. These include upgrades to K-33 in Douglas and Franklin counties, with budgets of $15 million and $11 million, respectively; reconstruction of K-4 at Bethany Drive in Lindsborg, estimated at $11 million; and U.S. 281 in Russell and Osborne counties, estimated at $17 million. 

Lettings for these jobs are planned between 2028 and 2030. Designers and contractors have not been named.

Funding for the IKE program combines state transportation revenues with federal and local sources, including bonding authority and state sales tax transfers. Each project’s financing is finalized at letting. KDOT publishes monthly bid results and an annual appendix listing contracts exceeding $5 million.

Centennial Bridge is expected to anchor major river and highway work late in the decade, while the K-10 interchange and K-96 corridor will provide opportunities in suburban and urban markets. 

Passing-lane and reconstruction projects across the state will extend IKE’s reach into rural Kansas, with most construction scheduled between 2027 and 2030.

Kelly called IKE “a powerful engine for economic growth and a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, safer Kansas.” Reed said the new construction wave reflects KDOT’s focus on collaboration and responsiveness to local priorities.