Governor Laura Kelly Announces U.S. 69 Expansion and Modernization Project in Johnson County

~Kelly Administration’s Bipartisan Transportation Plan to Improve Accessibility, Safety, and Spur New Business Growth~

OVERLAND PARK – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced in Overland Park that the region’s number one priority, the U.S. 69 Expansion and Modernization project – totaling a $300 million investment – has been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan transportation plan.

“This project will enhance accessibility, address long-term safety concerns, and relieve congestion to recruit new businesses and families to Johnson County,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Since day one, we’ve honored our commitment to ending the practice of using infrastructure dollars for projects they were never meant for – and instead use these dollars to directly fix our roads, bridges, and expand broadband access. Today’s announcement is further proof that our commitment to good stewardship of these funds is benefitting our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.”

Express toll lanes (ETLs) are a new-to-the-region strategy for managing congestion along busy highway corridors like U.S. 69. While the two existing lanes will remain free for drivers to use, the project will add a new, third tolled lane in each direction from 151^st and 103^rd streets, replace 50-year-old pavement and reconfigure interchanges at Blue Valley Parkway and I-435.

“This project improves traffic flow for all drivers on U.S. 69,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “The Overland Park Council voted to use this approach to manage congestion and provide their local contribution through tolls. The Kelly Administration’s transportation program is built on partnerships.  Communities across the state are providing a local funding contribution or phasing projects so their projects can be constructed sooner.”

“I’m glad to join Governor Kelly, Secretary Lorenz, and Overland Park City Councilmembers as they take the next step on this project to expand US 69—a project that has been a longtime priority for our community. It’s a team effort, and with the recent passage of the bipartisan INVEST in America Act through Congress, we are one step closer to bringing home additional federal funds for the US 69/167^th Street interchange,” said Rep. Sharice Davids. “I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to secure smart, sustainable infrastructure investments that create good-paying jobs here in the Third District.”

“Commuters on U.S. 69 corridor are frustrated with increasing congestion and travel times,” said Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach. “We must address these issues to keep the Overland Park community and economy growing.”

Moving this project to the construction phase will take place as soon as preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition is complete. The U.S. 69 project is scheduled to be let for construction in fiscal year 2022 and open to traffic in 2025.

KDOT will turn to informing the public on what to use ETLs between now and when the project opens to traffic.

For more information, visit www.69Express.org or follow @69ExpressKS on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Nextdoor. Social media posts can be tagged with #69Express.

The below photos of today’s event are available for media use:

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Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Announces Winner of 21st Annual Raffle Truck Drawing

The Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 21st Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing: Gary Thomas.

Mr. Thomas’ ticket was drawn from 1,894 entries on Friday, June 25th at 1:30 pm by TVDS CEO Bill Fiscus. Mr. Thomas was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that he had won the raffle drawing. Mr. Thomas is now the proud owner of a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Long Horn Edition Truck, purchased from Shields Motor Company in Chanute, KS.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing.

This year’s raffle drawing raised $29,600 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired six houses and one duplex. These thirteen houses are home to 62 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson. The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle (RAF000005).