K-96 Open House Welcomed the Community (February 2023)

K-96 banner with logo and images of welcome sign at open house, overhead image at open house of community members looking at boards and information, photo of East/West 96 Sunflower signs, table map photo with post-it notes from Open House

KDOT and its partners hosted the first open house for the K-96 Improvements Project from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023.

We welcomed more than 120 community members to meet KDOT and City of Wichita staff, as well as members of the design team. The open house provided the opportunity for community members to communicate directly with the design team, ask questions, and learn more about the project by viewing fact sheets, information, maps, and videos.

Information about the project was shared, including the project timeline, details about the Environmental Assessment process, and three-dimensional renderings demonstrating design concepts for the seven interchanges along the K-96 corridor. Neighborhood and community leaders, local elected officials, property owners, residents, business owners, and K-96 commuters brought their ideas for K-96 improvements, and the design team was available to listen and answer questions.

K-96 Improvements Project Manager Jake Borchers gave a presentation on the need and benefits of the project and introduced two interchange design concepts that would be new to Wichita: the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) and the Displaced Left Turn Interchange (DLT).

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and shared their comments to help make the K-96 Improvements Project a success!

Images from Open House: overhead view of community members looking at board information. Second image is of a man and woman looking at table signs pointing at interchange improvement areas

Review + Comment Button to Open House webpage

Leadership Spotlight: Jake Borchers, K-96 Improvements Project Manager. Quote: "I am grateful to the community for joining us and participating in the K-96 Improvements Project open house. I learned a great deal about this project from the perspective of those who travel the corridor every day. My team and I heard your concerns, interests, and ideas, and we are considering them in the development of the final design concepts."

What We're Doing Section Divider

...to Ensure Community-Informed Solutions

The K-96 Improvements Project team is reviewing the public feedback received at the open house and through the project website and considering the feedback as they create final design concepts, which will be presented to the public later this year. The formal Environmental Assessment process for the project has begun and is anticipated to be completed in early 2024. Starting in 2024, we will finalize the design of the K-96 Improvements Project and begin preconstruction. Construction could begin as early as 2026.

Project Timeline

K-96 Improvements Project Timeline from 2022 through 2026 and beyond

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.

Community Engagement Section Divider

We Want To Hear From You

If you were unable to attend the open house, or if you did join us but have more thoughts to share, it's not too late! Visit K96Improvements.com/open-house to view the materials from the event. From the display boards and table-top maps, to the educational and project overview videos, to the presentation, you can review them your convenience and submit your feedback through March 10, 2023.

You can also call 316-290-9691 or email info@K96Improvements.com with any questions or concerns.

Attention: Open House Comment Period Through March 10 (QR code to scan with phone to direct to https://k96improvements.com/open-house

Community Partnership Spotlight: The recorded video of the open house was provided by talented, local college students as part of a pilot program in multi-camera, live-switching production. Thank you to WSU Elliott School of Communication teacher Jessica Newman and her students, Elijah Maples, Jacob Workentine, and Monique Gaines, for your time and creativity that will help us share the K-96 Improvements Project!

View Presentation Button. (click to view open house presentation)

Community Voices Spotlight: "The planned improvements will be a welcome safety and efficiency boost for the 200+ buses that travel the corridor each day transporting students across the city to and from our district’s 96 attendance centers." - Julia Hutchinson, CSPT (Transportation Field Services at Wichita Public Schools)

K-96 Road Show Section Divider

When you check out the K-96 Improvements Project website, be sure to sign-up for updates and see when the team hits the road to talk about the project.

From recent District Advisory Board meetings and WAMPO committees, to the upcoming Open House this winter, you won’t want to miss a stop on the K-96 Road Show. You can also engage with the project on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Photos from K-96 Road Show. Image 1 photo from Great Plains Nature Center - Jake Borchers giving a presentation for community members. Image 2 - Pop-up Table Event at Walmart with the K-96 Improvements Project Team answering questions

Sign-up to receive project updates! Stay involved and learn more about the K-96 Improvements Project by signing up to receive email updates about the project and upcoming events. Button: SIGN-UP and SUBSCRIBE!

Thank you,
The K-96 Improvements Project Team
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