Three SEK highway projects added to IKE Development Pipeline
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced three modernization or expansion projects located in southeast Kansas and totaling $70 million were added to the IKE Development Pipeline.
This now clears the way for preliminary engineering work to begin on these three regional projects, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Among the projects selected is to reconstruct and add shoulders on U.S. 160 from two miles east of the southern U.S. 169 junction east to Altamont. Dr. John Wyrick, Superintendent of Labette County Public Schools in Altamont, joined Governor Kelly and others in making the IKE Development Pipeline announcements.
“Investing in infrastructure is investing in our future,” said Dr. Wyrick. “This highway project is a catalyst for economic development, attracting businesses, spurring job creation, and unlocking opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Improvements made to U.S. 160 will lead to easier access to markets, increased tourism and a stronger foundation for sustainable growth in southeast Kansas.”
The southeast Kansas Development Pipeline project types, description/scope and estimated cost are:
- U.S. 169 expansion project, add passing lanes from U.S. 160 north to U.S. 400 in Montgomery County, $10 million
- U.S. 160 modernization project, reconstruct and add shoulders from 2 miles east of southern U.S. 169 junction east to Altamont in Montgomery and Labette counties, $50 million
- U.S. 160 modernization project, resurface and add shoulders from the southern U.S. 169 junction east through first curve in Montgomery County, $10 million
Governor Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed announced the 2024 Development Pipeline projects earlier today in the Kansas Statehouse. A total of 17 projects totaling $932 million from across the state are now included in the pipeline.
“These highway projects tackle long-standing transportation needs across the state – improving safety, expanding economic development opportunities and strengthening our communities,” Governor Kelly said. “My administration is committed to making short- and long-term infrastructure improvements to benefit future generations of Kansans.”
Secretary Reed said input from Kansans helped determine what investments were of the highest priority to rural and urban communities. He said the selection process is flexible to meet economic needs and is based on engineering data, local consultation and geographic distribution.
A list of all the IKE Development Pipeline projects and more information on modernization and expansion projects is available at https://ike.ksdot.gov/projects/development-pipeline-announcement-2024.