Nearly 25 years were spent studying how to ensure U.S. 69 more safely meets growing local and state needs.

• 2020 – U.S. 69 Pre-Planning Analysis
• 2018 – U.S. 69 Corridor Study Phase 1 Report
• 2016 – 167th Street and U.S. 69 Break-in-Access Request
• 2006 – 159th Street and U.S. 69 Break-in-Access Report
• 2004 – Break-in-Access Study on I-435 and U.S. 69
• 1998 – U.S. 69 Initial Corridor Screening Evaluation

69Express is announced as a top project for KDOT. The improvements would include an emphasis on expansion of the roadway from 103rd to 151st Streets. The project would aim to alleviate congestion and bottlenecks on one of Kansas’s busiest highways.

69Express is launched to determine how best to improve one of the state’s busiest highways to address growing safety, travel time reliability and congestion issues between 103rd and 179th Streets.

69Express kicks off with a series of civic leader interviews and statistically valid community surveys and focus groups to better understand the issues and opportunities surrounding improving the corridor. A broad-based community advisory group is established to provide input and insights regarding community preferences for the project.

U.S. 69 Corridor users, residents and businesses are engaged in developing the project’s technical analysis and proposed alternatives through a broad range of public involvement tools: public and virtual meetings; project website, social media and newsletter; media relations; community presentations; and other means.

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) undertake an Environmental Assessment (EA) to examine the environmental effects of the project. The goal is to help transportation officials make project decisions that balance engineering and transportation needs with social, economic, and natural environmental factors.

As the EA progresses, three Reasonable Alternatives emerge: No-Build (kept as a benchmark to measure against), Traditional Widening and Express Lanes. The two Build Alternatives are carried forward for their ability to satisfy project needs and because they rate favorably against most other initial screening criteria when compared to other alternatives.

The 69Express Toll Feasibility Study is conducted to determine whether Express Lanes could realistically and effectively manage corridor congestion, producing more reliable travel times. It concludes that they could — and also would generate sufficient revenue to support the operations, maintenance and lifecycle costs associated with tolling.

The Overland Park City Council votes 10-2 in favor of Express Lanes on U.S. 69 Highway. With the vote, Overland Park and KDOT will take a joint proposal for Express Lanes to the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) for its approval in accordance with state law.

The KTA Board approves the Overland Park/KDOT joint proposal for implementing Express Lanes on U.S. 69 by a 5-0 vote. The proposal goes to the State Finance Council for its approval in accordance with state law.

The Kansas State Finance Council (SFC) approves the Overland Park/KDOT joint proposal for implementing Express Lanes on U.S. 69 by an 8-0 vote. The vote concludes the state process by which Express Lanes may be considered as an addition to the state highway system within a municipality.

KDOT opens the search for the 69Express design-build project team, with selection coming in 2022. KDOT selected design-build for delivery because the approach helps deliver complex projects more quickly through improved innovation and communication.

KDOT completes the noise study required when a project like 69Express significantly expands or alters a highway’s alignment. Fourteen locations are identified where noise wall construction may be warranted if approved by nearly 1,500 identified eligible voters.

Express Lanes are selected as the Recommended Preferred Alternative for 69Express. It is determined that the Express Lanes best meet the Purpose and Need of the project, address congestion and traffic safety concerns within the corridor, result in fewer impacts to the natural and human environment and provide a lower-cost solution.

The U.S. Department of Transportation issues a FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact). The FONSI clears the way for KDOT to move ahead with construction of 69Express.

KDOT will build all 11 noise walls proposed as part of 69Express. To be built, each of the proposed 11 noise walls had to receive 70% of the eligible votes. The noise walls will be constructed in locations just north of 119th Street to 151st Street.

The Equity Committee will assist KDOT in identifying and mitigating potential impacts of express lane operations on communities of concern, with recommendations due in early 2023. The 13-member group includes diverse representatives from major Johnson County health, transit, business and social service providers. Members also engage with other community groups to ensure a broad range of voices are heard regarding potential toll impacts and mitigations.

KDOT continues its review and analysis of competing design-build teams’ proposals for constructing 69Express. A winning team and approach are expected to be announced mid-summer 2022. Once a team is selected, the official Project groundbreaking ceremony will follow in mid-September.

Local, state and federal officials join KDOT in breaking ground on 69Express. Utility moves and other pre-construction work begins in December 2022, and construction begins in spring 2023.