Construction Updates

 Looking north at the U.S. 69 and I-435 interchange in January 2026.

Construction on 69Express continues toward the finish line. Please be mindful that the corridor is still an active work zone. The cones that separate the express lanes from the general-purpose lanes will be removed when toll testing is complete. We thank drivers for their patience during this testing period.

 Express lanes are separated by double white lines, as seen in the image above. The double lines cannot be crossed legally. Drivers who choose to utilize the express lanes should use the designated entry/exit points.

Express Lanes ≠ Express Speed

Questions have been circulating online about speed limits in the new U.S. 69 express lanes. The word “express” might sound like “speed,” but here’s the truth: Express lanes are designed to keep traffic moving smoothly – not to turn the highway into a racetrack. 

Once construction is complete and the corridor is no longer an active work zone, the posted speed limit will return to 65 miles per hour as it was prior to construction. That limit applies to all lanes, including the express lanes. So, while the express lanes can help you bypass slower traffic, it’s not a green light to hit the gas. 

KDOT encourages drivers to use the express lanes when needed, but please remember: Posted speed limits still apply everywhere. Safe travels and thank you for helping keep U.S. 69 moving safely! 

Express lanes are designed to keep traffic moving smoothly. Please follow the posted speed limits.

How Do the New Express Lanes Work?

The 69Express Lanes use electronic tolling – no booths, no stopping. Tolling equipment reads your license plate or KTAG as you drive. You’ll be billed through DriveKS, with options to pay online, by mail or by phone. 

Pro Tip: KTAG users save 50% on tolls!  

Learn more about how tolling works at DriveKS.com. 

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

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

 Join KDOT, KTA and the City of Overland Park at the upcoming 69Express Public Open House!

This Public Open House offers an opportunity for people to engage with the 69Express project team and learn how to use the new express lanes prior to their opening in early 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 help set up DriveKS accounts and distribute KTAGs to use on U.S. 69. 

New lanes that have been added to U.S. 69 will operate as express lanes, allowing drivers 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. 

For more upcoming events, visit 69Express.org/Newsroom/Events. Let us know if you would like a presentation on U.S. 69 work to your group or organization. 

Meet the Team

The project team at HyVee on 95th Street in January 2026.

In addition to the Public Open House, the project team has an additional upcoming engagement opportunity. Look for us: 

• Jan. 28 at the Town Square Cafe at the Aspiria campus from 11 a.m. to 1 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. 

Tolling Text Scam

Be aware of a nationwide texting scam that suggests people owe unpaid tolls. Neither the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) nor the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) sends unsolicited text messages. KDOT does not collect tolls for any roadway. KTA will not send a bill via text. If you receive a suspicious text, do not open links. Learn more about identifying these scam messages visiting the KTA website. 

KDOT and KTA will not text you about unpaid tolls. Report junk texts received to keep your information safe. 

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.