TOPEKA, KS — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the City of Wichita announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded more than $53 million through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant Program for improvements to K-96 in Wichita, Kansas. The grant was applied for by the City of Wichita.
The INFRA Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation and provides funding for transportation projects of national or regional significance. The project is a joint effort between KDOT and the City of Wichita. The funding will help pay for approximately 9.5 miles of planned improvements to K-96 between I-135 and I-35, including widening portions of the highway from four lanes to six lanes and upgrading several interchanges.
“This crucial investment represents the successful efforts of the City of Wichita, KDOT, and local and federal partners to strengthen a high-volume corridor that will benefit Kansans, businesses, and freight by easing congestion and enhancing mobility,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
“K-96 is a vital connection between Wichita and surrounding communities. These improvements will make travel safer and more reliable, help people get to work, help businesses move goods, and support our region’s continued growth,” Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said. “I appreciate Senator Moran’s advocacy for this federal investment in Wichita and KDOT’s ongoing work to strengthen one of our region’s most important transportation corridors.”
The improvements funded by the federal grant include construction of two of four planned K-96 projects:
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- Blue Project - Extends from midway between the Oliver and Woodlawn interchanges on the west to midway between the Rock and Webb interchanges on the east. The project includes improvements to the Woodlawn and Rock interchanges.
- Orange Project - Extends from the K-96/I-135 interchange near Hydraulic Avenue on the west to midway between the Oliver and Woodlawn interchanges on the east. The project includes improvements to the I-135, Hillside, and Oliver interchanges.
The Red and Yellow K-96 projects will remain in the IKE Development Pipeline, with construction timing dependent upon funding availability.
