K-96 Improvements

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Project Update

K-96 Improvements aim to upgrade the K-96 corridor between I-135 and I-35 in Wichita with planned interchange enhancements, pavement replacement and expansion of K-96. An expansion to six lanes from four lanes is planned for 9.5 miles of K-96 starting on the west at I-135, to 21st Street on the southeast. KDOT recently completed a study including preliminary design and environmental review of the planned improvements. Thank you to everyone who has engaged in the process.

K-96 Improvements will be delivered as four separate projects under the IKE Development Pipeline. The Blue Project is now funded for construction. Construction timing for the remaining improvements will be determined based on available funding. This phased approach allows KDOT to deliver the remaining improvements while balancing other transportation priorities across the state.

KDOT is currently exploring interim investments along K-96 to ease current congestion in key areas.

Project Location

K-96 Improvements will be delivered as four different projects with construction timing depending upon the allocation of funding. The graphic below outlines the four proposed projects for final design and construction.

K96 Project Map four different projects

Blue Project – Extends from midway on K-96 between the Oliver and Woodlawn interchanges on the west to midway on K-96 between the Rock and Webb interchanges on the east; includes upgrades to the Woodlawn and Rock interchanges.
Orange Project – Extends from the K-96 and I-135 interchange (near Hydraulic Avenue) on the west to midway on K-96 between the Oliver and Woodlawn interchanges on the east; will include planned upgrades to the I-135, Hillside, and Oliver interchanges.
Red Project – Extends from midway on K-96 between the Rock and Webb interchanges on the west to midway on K-96 between the Webb and Greenwich interchanges on the southeast; includes upgrades to the Webb interchange.
Yellow Project – Extends from midway on K-96 between the Webb and Greenwich interchanges on the northwest to north of the K-96/U.S. 54/400 interchange on the southeast. K-96 shifts from 6 lanes to 4 lanes at 21^st Street, and pavement replacement only is from 21^st Street to the Kellogg interchange; includes upgrades to the Greenwich and 21st Street interchanges.

Project Details

Project Name	K-96 improvements
Project Number	KA-6099-02
Location	Sedgwick County
Scope	Upgrade K-96 in Wichita from a 4-lane to 6-lane freeway (pavement replacement only from 21st Street to 13th Street)
Approximate Length	9.5 miles
Project Timeline	Construction Pipeline, anticipated to let in 2029, conditions permitting.
Construction Cost	$120 million

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FAQs

Is this project part of the North Junction or East Kellogg projects?

K-96 Improvements are separate from the Wichita North Junction Project (affecting I-135, I-235, and K-254) and East Kellogg Project (modernizing East Kellogg Ave from K-96 to 159th St). The majority of the Wichita North Junction Project impacting K-96 is anticipated to be completed before K-96 Improvements construction starts.

Project teams are collaborating to provide an improved highway system for the region.
Find out more about Wichita North Junction Project and East Kellogg Project.
RIGHT-OF-WAY COORDINATION

KDOT is currently working to identify right-of-way needs for the K-96 Improvements. If your property is impacted by the first or second project (1: Blue or 2: Orange), you will be contacted by a KDOT representative once the design footprint has been established. Right-of-way coordination is anticipated to begin in 2026.
What is a DDI?

A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is a modern interchange design that can relieve traffic congestion and improve safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. In a DDI, traffic crosses to the left side of the roadway allowing for ease of access to the interstate by eliminating difficult left turns.
What is the history of the project?
An Environmental Assessment was conducted to guide decisions based on transportation needs, economic benefits, and environmental considerations. The K-96 Improvements Project Draft Environmental Assessment includes:
- Review of land use, historical/archaeological sites, and habitat/wetland surveys.
- Traffic noise modeling and other social/environmental analyses.
A public comment period was held March 27 – May 15, 2024 to gather feedback, which helped shape final designs.
Final step: The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will confirm that the project will not cause significant environmental harm.
The project also coordinates with the National Park Service to repurpose a small part of Chisholm Creek Park for non-recreational use.
Who is leading the K-96 Improvements?

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is leading the project in collaboration with local partners. During the lifecycle of the project, KDOT and its consultant team will coordinate closely with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the City of Wichita, and Sedgwick County among other regulatory agencies.
Why doesn't the Webb Road design include left turns to and from 29th Street?

Left turns to and from 29th Street are the lowest vehicle count at the Webb Road interchange. For the rest of this interchange to operate efficiently and safely, the new configuration will eliminate these left-turn movements.

The implemented U-turns shown in the graphic below will be protected turns with green arrows. While they add a short travel distance, the improved signal coordination means the entire interchange will operate more efficiently.

The U-turns have been designed to accommodate passenger vehicles, semi-trucks and emergency response vehicles. For a detailed view of the Webb Road Interchange design, click the link below.
View Webb Road Interchange Map
Why this project?
The City of Wichita is experiencing 3.1% annual population growth. A 2021 Screening Study found that within ten years, K-96 will need gradual expansion of freeway segments and pavement replacement.
Planned safety-focused improvements include:
- Relieving congestion and increasing capacity with added lanes to benefit local traffic and freight movement.
- Improving interchanges to reduce queueing on side roads and ramps.
Will K-96 Improvements include upgrades to the connection at I-135?

K-96 Improvements include enhancements to the ramp connecting northbound I-135 to eastbound K-96, which will complement highway system upgrades already underway as part of the Wichita North Junction Project. The ramp is anticipated to be expanded from one lane to two lanes to accommodate future traffic growth while meeting the project’s goals of enhancing safety, improving capacity, and relieving congestion.
Will there be changes to business entrances close to corridor intersections?

There will be access management and signal coordination required along the corridor, to enhance safety and traffic operations. Some existing driveways and intersections will be permanently closed or relocated farther away from the new intersections.

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Project Contact

Staff	Title	Email
Peters-Brown, Samantha	Public Involvement Specialist	Email

Kansas Department Of Transportation

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