I had a few (understatement) phone calls in the last few days and many of them started with similar questions. Why in the world would you (KDOT) want to close the ramps that link U.S 54/400 (the Kellogg Freeway through Wichita) with I-135? Are you plotting ways to make life more miserable for drivers? Are you people crazy?
Well, while I can’t write for all of us at KDOT, I’m pretty sure we’re not crazy and we’re not plotting against drivers. We are, however, responsible for the care and feeding of 10,000 miles of the state highway system and we intend to maintain the current highway infrastructure as well as make improvements for the future.
On February 18, at the monthly letting shindig, KDOT will open bids from contractors interested in making improvements to the I-135 & Kellogg Interchange. And as soon as we can get a signed contract, the “winner” of the contract will start the nine-month process of repairing 11 bridge decks, completely replacing one bridge, expanding four ramps, adding a ¼-mile lane extension on southbound I-135 plus complete a number of other repairs.
To facilitate the multi-location repairs within the interchange – one that handles up to 100,000 vehicles/day – some closures are necessary. The project is divided into two phases. In a nutshell, here’s what’s planned:
March – July Phase 1
- All Kellogg to I-135 access CLOSED
- I-235 will be official, marked detour for US-54 to I-135 traffic
- EB & WB Kellogg will be reduced to two lanes for each direction
- Through traffic on I-135 will not be affected
- I-135 access to Kellogg will be open
- Lane expansion – SB I-135 between Lincoln & Harry
July – November Phase 2
- All I-135 to Kellogg access CLOSED
- I-235 will be official, marked detour for I-135 to US-54 traffic
- EB & WB Kellogg reduction to two lanes for each direction will continue
- Through traffic on I-135 will not be affected
- Kellogg access to I-135 will be open
If you call me about this project, please feel free to begin the conversation with “Are you people crazy???” That way I’ll know immediately what project you want to discuss.