69Express opens on Saturday, Feb. 21 – read the articles below so you can be prepared!

Driving 69Express

Get ready, because big changes are underway on U.S. 69! Kansas’ first express lanes are here, and they’re about to make your drive faster, smoother and way more predictable. Watch the video below and you’ll see exactly how they work and what you need to know before you hit the road.

Click the image above to see a drive-through experience of the new express lanes.

Check out our other drive-through videos on our YouTube page or click the text below:

• Southbound (103rd St. to 151st St.)
• Blue Valley Parkway

Media Preview

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) hosted a pre-opening preview of 69Express for media Feb. 3. At that event, KDOT announced that 69Express would open to traffic Saturday, Feb. 21. Keep an eye out for stories on the project from your favorite local news source!

Media Day attendees load the bus for a drive-through tour of 69Express.

Construction Updates

167th Street and U.S. 69 in January 2026.

Toll technology testing is wrapping up on 69Express in anticipation of the opening on Feb. 21. Some construction activities will remain after the opening and will take place during off-peak hours to limit impacts on drivers. Please continue to navigate the work zone with caution as there will be periodic closures to finalize the project.  

Express Lane Signage

During the last phase of construction in 2025, drivers may have noticed one of the project’s most important safety and mobility enhancements taking shape: new overhead signage. These structures play a crucial role in creating a safer, more efficient travel experience by delivering clear, timely information to drivers as they navigate the updated corridor. The new signs will help drivers identify express lane access points, understand lane assignments, and make smoother decisions well ahead of exits and merging points. 

Below are a few real-life examples of the signage along 69Express: 

Overhead signage on southbound U.S. 69 identifies upcoming interchanges and express lane entrance.

Express lane signage will display the KTAG toll rate for using the express lane for a partial trip (southbound 103rd Street to Blue Valley Parkway or 135th Street, northbound 151st Street to Blue Valley Parkway) and the entire length of the express lane (103rd Street to 151st Street).

Overhead signage clearly identifies entry and exit points for express lane users.

KTAG = Savings + Simplicity

If you already use KTAG on the Kansas Turnpike, good news – it works in the new 69Express lanes, too! KTAG users save 50% on tolls and enjoy automatic billing through DriveKS. No need to worry about a mailed bill.  

- Already have a KTAG? You’re ready to roll. 

- Need one? Order a free KTAG at DriveKS.com.

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

Join Us Next Week: Public 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. 

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.