JUNCTION CITY (KSNT) – Frequent crashes and traffic congestion problems is prompting Kansas transportation officials to make some big improvements to an I-70 interchange near Junction City.
The Kansas Department of Transportation is getting ready to start work on a $27 million highway interchange project for K-18 and I-70 in Geary County. The project is expected to provide numerous safety improvements to the busy interchange and is scheduled to be completed by fall 2027.
KDOT reports that multiple near-fatal crashes in this area, along with increased traffic due to football games at Kansas State University, prompted the agency to take another look at the interchange’s design. One of the biggest changes in store for the interchange is the addition of a new flyover bridge that will cross over the existing bridge above I-70.
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Other improvements that will be made include the addition of a two-mile auxiliary lane on I-70 eastbound along with an updated north access point for the interchange. Benefits of this work include the following:
- Reduction in traffic congestion.
- Better flow for gameday traffic without backing up into the through lanes of I-70.
- Drivers can maintain a consistent speed.
- Increased safety for drivers at the K-18 and Boller Road intersection.
- Preserves the existing bridge and allows for movement across I-70.
Ashley Perez with KDOT said the project is slated to get underway in November this year. An official groundbreaking ceremony is currently set for Nov. 13 at the Geary County Fire Station where community leaders and KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed will deliver remarks on the project.
“This project is divided into 2 phases and in the first phase, traffic will not be impacted as construction is restricted to the project limits,” Perez said.
The contractor for the project, King Construction, will begin work on Monday, Nov. 3. Starting in mid-November, access to K-18 from Boller Road will be closed with traffic being directed to use Whiskey Lake Road to get on K-18 via I-70.
You can learn more about the project and view documents associated with it by heading to KDOT’s website. You can also watch a video about the project on YouTube.
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