The 69Express project moved forward smoothly and on schedule in 2024. Let’s take a moment to review some project highlights: 

• The 119th Street Interchange was fully reconstructed in a 60-day period in late summer. 
• Noise wall construction will be approximately 50% complete by year-end. All noise walls will be finished by the end of 2026. 
• During peak construction in 2024, more than 455 people were working on the project on any given day. 
• 20 new bridges will be complete, with three more continuing construction through the winter. 
• More than 525,000 man-hours (and woman-hours) were logged in 2024. 
• 500,000 square yards of concrete pavement have been poured on the project so far. 

Construction Close-Up

Construction work continued in late November on the U.S. 69 bridges over 119th Street. In this photo, crews use a crane to set massive concrete girders for a bridge at U.S. 69 and 119th St. The work was completed at night to minimize traffic impacts. The U.S. 69/119th Street interchange was fully rebuilt and reopened on schedule in late October. Minor work along 119th Street will continue through the end of the year. 

Public Meeting Planned in February

At a 69Express public meeting scheduled in February 2025, KDOT will share 69Express project updates and 2025 construction plans, including work planned for the 167th Street interchange. The project team will be on hand to answer questions and explain how to use the new express lanes, which go live in early 2026. Watch this newsletter and your email inbox for the event invitation. 

Behind the Scenes

The project inspection staff works alongside the contractor, performing quality assurance testing and construction oversight. Recently, team members gathered to celebrate the hard work and successes of the past year.  

Work continues on multiple bridges along the U.S. 69 project corridor. The photo below shows construction underway on the 135th Street bridge over Tomahawk Creek. The bridge is being widened to accommodate additional turn lanes eastbound and westbound at U.S. 69.  

For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at construction progress, click here.

KTA Scam Alert

The Kansas Turnpike Authority recently alerted the public about a text message scam that uses the new Kansas toll payment system name, DriveKS, in an attempt to steal personal information. KTA does not send unsolicited text messages. Anyone who receives a text message like the one shown in the image below should not click the link or use the URL provided. Recipients of these scam texts are encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. 

The Kansas Turnpike Authority alerted the public about this scam, which poses as a text communication from KTA requesting a fee payment. KTA never sends unsolicited texts. 

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. 

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