Work is now complete for the $572 million US 69 Express project in the US state of Kansas. The 10km section of US 69 between 103rd Street and 151st Street in Overland Park in the South-West of Kansas City has been widened. This stretch now has three lanes in either direction instead of two in either direction as before. One new lane in each direction is an express (tolled) lane, while the other lanes remain free.
The express lanes are designed to keep traffic moving and provide a more reliable travel option at peak times, as well as boosting safety. Work on the project has also included interchange upgrades and highway reconstruction. More than 80,000 vehicles/day use the highway.
Each express lane is separated from the general-purpose lanes with a buffer and wide double white lines, with Northbound and southbound traffic separated by a concrete barrier. Vehicles are identified by a compatible transponder, like KTAG, or by an image of license plates. Express lane customers with a KTAG will pay the rate shown on the overhead signs, while customers without a KTAG will pay a higher rate.
The US 69 Expansion Project started in 2020 after years of effort to examine how best to improve the busy four-lane highway. The work has been carried out for the Kansas Department of Transportation.
