Keeping Dust Down

As paving work continues along U.S. 69, the project team wanted to make you aware of some of the measures used to keep the public and environment safe during construction. 

The concrete batch plant, located at U.S. 69 and 135th Street, has implemented a range of environmental protection measures to ensure that operations are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. These measures include the installation and maintenance of equipment and technologies designed to minimize environmental impacts, including:  

• Bag house filters, which capture and remove particulate matter from the air, significantly reducing the release of dust and airborne particles during the batching process.  
• Sealed silos, which prevent dust and other pollutants from escaping into the environment, further enhancing dust-control measures.  
• Water suppression, used to suppress dust emissions at various points within the project, ensuring that dust is effectively controlled. 

The concrete batch plant operates under a Class 2 operating permit issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This permit outlines the specific requirements and conditions under which the contractor must operate to comply with state and environmental regulations.  

The contractor and KDOT also maintain an active Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) environmental permit controlled by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This permit is crucial for regulating dust control and preventing runoff of pollutants into the surrounding environment. Weekly inspections ensure standards are met and the facility and the contractor are in compliance. 

Concrete batch plant at 135th Street and northbound U.S. 69 

Construction Updates

Welcome to the work zone!

Traffic switches are underway on U.S. 69. Traffic will be moved over the next two weeks into a new configuration between College Blvd. and 119th Street. Southbound traffic will shift onto a portion of the newly constructed southbound bridge over Indian Creek. Northbound traffic will be switched to the existing southbound lanes and over a portion of the old bridge to allow construction of a new northbound bridge over Indian Creek. Please watch for signs alerting drivers about the changes. 

Blue Valley Parkway flyover bridge work continues. At 143rd Street and U.S. 69, bridge work is nearing completion along the southbound lanes. Bridge girders have been set at U.S. 69 and 139th Street, and retaining walls are being built. Soon, noise wall installation will begin along the west side of U.S. 69 near 139th Street. Noise wall installation will continue throughout the corridor over the next two years as crews and materials are available. Partial installation will take place in some areas before the full walls are completed. 

The interchange at I-435 and U.S. 69 will have left lane closures for eastbound and westbound traffic in the coming weeks as bridge work continues. More significant closures are planned for late October. Watch for more information. 

Please watch for crews and equipment and be patient with other drivers during construction. Daily lane drops and overnight work will continue throughout the fall in various areas in the work zone. Subscribe to our text alerts here to know closure information and changes. Please continue to check 69Express.org for the latest information, as construction schedules can change with the weather. 

Blue Valley Parkway Flyover Ramp Construction

This panoramic view was captured by standing on the top of the hill in the middle of the Blue Valley interchange. Photo by Ted Ingalls. 

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 more updates. 



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