Motorists can expect cashless tolls, construction on the Kansas Turnpike

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) has more than a dozen construction projects starting soon, as well as transitioning its tolls to cashless.

With "above average weather" approaching, the KTA has announced 20 construction projects across Kansas that will start in March. Seven of those projects are being carried over from 2023, and 13 of these projects are new.

Other advancements KTA is working on this construction season is turning all of the tolls in Kansas cashless. Rachel Bell with KTA told 27 News equipment will be located in each segment of the roadway between the entries and exits. According to this video explaining the cashless toll system, there will be 21 overhead toll gantries, and motorists will be charged every time they drive under them.

"The last gantries installed in late November," Bell said. "Crews are still working on installing temporary signage and tolling equipment. It is important for customers to know that once equipment is installed, it will not be in use until the conversion in mid-2024."

The construction season will start in mid-March, and run through late fall of this year. A list of KTA's construction projects from South to North, with details, are below:

• Cashless Tolling Signage between MM 0-224
• Guardrail Improvements- Oklahoma border to South Wichita between MM 0-42
• Port of Entry Ramp Improvements- Oklahoma/ Kansas border at MM 2
• Bridge Rehabilitation and Raising- US 166 at MM 4
• Bridge Redeck and Widen- 150th Street S. at MM 5
• Drainage Improvement- Slate Creek at MM 5
• Pavement Resurfacing between MM 13-28
• Toll Plaza Demolition- Southern Terminal to K-15 between MM 17-45
• Waterline Improvement- Sumner County at MM 19
• Bridge Rehabilitation and Raising 95th Street at MM 36
• Toll Plaza Demolition- South Wichita at MM 42
• Toll Plaza Demolition- East Kellogg to Emporia between MM 50-127
• High Friction Surfacing- Flint Hills at MM 103 and 105
• Cattle Pens Reconstruction at MM 110
• Bridge Redeck and Widen- Cottonwood River Flood Span at MM 125
• Drainage Improvement and Pavement Repairs- Emporia to Admire between MM 141-143
• Bridge Redeck and Widen- Solider Creek at MM 155
• Toll Plaza Demolition- Lecompton to Eastern Terminal between MM 197-217
• Pipe Extension and Slope Repair at MM 202
• Drainage Detention- Leavenworth County at MM 214

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