On the Road Again with K-96 Improvements Project Team! (August 2023)

The K-96 Improvements Project Team hit the road this spring to share project benefits, preliminary designs, and projected timeline with the public.

Project Manager Jake Borchers presented at Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and Wichita Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meetings to explain how the project would benefit all road users.

The Rotary Clubs of Downtown Wichita and East Wichita invited the team to share information about the proposed Diverging Diamond Interchange concept with their members. Hundreds of Rotarians in Wichita are community leaders, business owners, and non-profit organizers, and many of them took the time to share their feedback on how improvements to K-96 would benefit our growing community.

The team also presented at a Bel Aire Chamber of Commerce meeting to discuss how the project will increase capacity to handle regional growth, such as the future increase in commuters traveling to the newly proposed Integra Technologies headquarters location in Bel Aire.

If you would like to request the K-96 Improvements Project Team present to your neighborhood association or organization, please contact info@K96IMPROVEMENTS.com for more information.

At the request of State Representative KC Ohaebosim (District 89), our design team presented on the K-96 Improvements Project to the Kansas South Central Legislative Delegation Luncheon on April 3, 2023, at the State Capitol.

We learned a great deal from their feedback, and we appreciate the insights and support from our Kansas government leaders. Their input is valued as we consider improvements to keep Kansans moving.

The formal Environmental Assessment (EA) process for the project is underway and is anticipated to be complete in early 2024. The new Environmental Assessment webpage on the K-96 Improvements Project website will share study findings as they are completed, such as information on mitigating impacts to monarch butterfly migratory locations. Currently, construction is anticipated to take four years to complete and could begin as early as 2027.

The timeline is subject to change as the project evolves. While the project has an anticipated construction schedule, funding has not been allocated at this time. Following the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE Program) requirements, funding is not allocated for construction projects more than two years ahead of construction. After the completion of the Environmental Assessment, the Right-of-Way Process may begin. If selected for the IKE construction pipeline, Final Design activities for the project will include utilities relocation.

If you haven't already, please take a moment to sign up on the K-96 Project Website and engage with the project on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for detailed information on upcoming community engagement events.

Thank you,
The K-96 Improvements Project Team

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This project is being delivered by IKE – The Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program. IKE is a roughly $10 billion investment in the future of Kansas. This program and the transportation improvements it will deliver play a key role in our state’s economic recovery, putting Kansans to work and improving quality of life.