On August 15, Kelly announced 11 expansion and modernization highway projects representing an investment of more than $520 million that has been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan transportation plan, the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). The K-68 widening is one of these projects and is expected to cost $48 million with designs being completed in 2023 and letting in 2025. The event took place at Louisburg Ford, which is considered “Mile Zero” on the project’s east side.
“Expanding K-68 will make driving safer, enable businesses to get products to market more quickly, and help workers spend more time with their families — and less time commuting,” Kelly said. “I’m proud to make this $48-million investment in a project that will benefit Miami County for decades to come.”
As the Vice Chair of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Davids helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is bringing an additional $89 million per year — $445 million over five years — to Kansas highway projects.
“It’s a fact — making targeted investments in our local infrastructure creates good-paying jobs, improves safety, and brings economic development to our communities," Davids said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to help our state fund infrastructure projects like this one that have been too long overlooked. I am excited to support the K-68 expansion in Miami County and thank our state and local officials for their work to get this done.”
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“Partnerships are the foundation of IKE, and I very much appreciate Miami County stepping up through their local contribution to make the completion of K-68 a reality,” Lorenz said. “Thanks to the foresight of Kansans, the bipartisan support of legislators, the support of Representative Davids, and the leadership of Governor Kelly, we have created a transportation program that allows us to make much-needed improvements all across the state that we can afford.”
“The K-68 corridor is an important connector for Miami County residents but also plays a vital role in the region’s transportation network,” said Miami County Commission Chairman Rob Roberts. “We have been looking forward to the safety improvements this project provides. It was an honor to have Governor Kelly, Rep. Davids, and Secretary Lorenz join us for our community celebration marking the project’s inclusion in the next round of IKE projects.”
This 6.68-mile expansion will allow the roadway to meet recommendations set in the K-68 Corridor Management Plan back in 2009 and follows a series of interim improvements that began in 2021, including adding turn lanes and access roads.
