Construction and Express Lane Updates

Looking north with a view of U.S. 69, 139th Street and 135th Street interchanges in December 2025.

Good news! Construction along U.S. 69 is nearly complete. Most of the major work is done, but some final tasks remain before the express lanes can open. To accommodate this work, travelers will see occasional lane closures during off-peak travel times as needed in early 2026. Seeding and sodding work will occur in Spring 2026. 

The cones that still separate the express lanes from the general-purpose lanes will be removed when the express lanes open in mid-February. Toll technology testing continues until that time. We thank drivers for their patience during this testing period. 

 The U.S. 69 and 119th Street interchange in December 2025.

Testing Leads to Reliable Tolling Operations

Comprehensive, multi-phased testing of 69Express tolling technology began several months ago and will continue until shortly before the express lanes open in early 2026. The Kansas Department of Transportation, along with the Kansas Turnpike Authority, which will manage toll collection on 69Express, are overseeing the testing. The technology solution on 69Express is based upon the same reliable system used on the Kansas Turnpike. 

In August, testing began on individual of equipment-one camera, one transponder, and one pavement loop at a time-and has since advanced to testing the corridor in segments. Ultimately, the 6 miles of 69Express will be tested as a whole. Throughout each phase, the technology team analyzes results, makes adjustments and retests to confirm tolling will operate as expected when the express lanes open. 

New toll gantries on U.S. 69.

To validate that the technology accurately captures information on vehicles using the express lanes, the technology team is driving the lanes, testing vehicles: 

• Of varying shapes, sizes and axle combinations, including trucks and cars with trailers. 
• Bearing license plates from a wide variety of states. 
• With KTAGs and other compatible transponders. 

The team also drives vehicles in the adjacent free general-purpose lanes to make sure the toll technology does not read transponders or license plates from those vehicles. 

The technology team also is testing the complete system operation to verify that vehicle capture information flows into KTA’s back-office system and customers can be accurately billed for trips in the express lanes. All 69Express tolls will be billed and paid through DriveKS, Kansas’ toll payment system administered by KTA.  

Trail Repairs Underway for a Safer Experience

The 69Express project included improvements to trails along the corridor.

As part of the 69Express highway construction, some trail sections near the corridor now require repairs to restore safety and usability for every trail enthusiast. Your patience is appreciated as this important work is completed. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

View the Overland Park Trail Closures Map. 

Save the Date! Open House on Feb. 11, 2026

The Kansas Department of Transportation, with the Kansas Turnpike Authority and the City of Overland Park, will hold an open house public meeting Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 5-7 p.m. at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Ave., Overland Park, Kan. 66213. 

This public open house offers an opportunity for the public to engage with the 69Express project team and learn how to use the new express lanes prior to their opening in mid-February 2026.  

No formal presentation is planned. Members of the public may stop by at any time during the open house to ask questions about the express lanes and the project. Kansas Turnpike Authority representatives will be available to answer questions about how to get a KTAG for use on U.S. 69. 

New lanes that have been added to U.S. 69 will operate as express lanes, allowing drivers the option to choose to pay a toll to bypass congestion in the general-purpose lanes and achieve a free-flowing commute in the express lanes. Display boards will provide visuals of roadway and interchange designs and express lane operation.  

For those unable to attend in person, the virtual event will be posted on the project website, 69Express.org, and available for 30 days following the meeting. 

Meet the Team

Project team members share 69Express information at Matt Ross Community Center at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market in November 2025.

In addition to the public open house, the project team has several upcoming engagement opportunities. Look for us:   



• Jan. 9 at the 119th and Metcalf Price Chopper from 4 to 7 p.m. 
• Jan. 16 at the 95th and Antioch Hy-Vee from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Watch for more events as they are added (69Express.org/Newsroom/Events). Let us know if you would like a presentation on U.S. 69 work to your group or organization. 

Get Ready to DriveKS: Set Up Your Account Today

The new express lanes on U.S. 69 are almost here – and DriveKS is your key to smooth travel. Setting up your account is quick and easy. Whether you use a KTAG or just your license plate, DriveKS helps you manage tolls, view trips and pay your way. 

• Set up your account now at DriveKS.com.
• Watch the the How-To video below. 

Go to DriveKS.com to set up and manage your account and order your free KTAG. 

Moving Forward

Want to stay up to date on the project? Visit 69Express.org or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube at @69Express for updates. 



To be notified about upcoming closures or other impacts to your commute, visit the project website or sign up for text alerts.