The governor, along with Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed announced the 2024 Development Pipeline projects earlier today in the Kansas Statehouse. A total of 17 projects totaling $932 million from across the state are now included in the pipeline.
The northwest Kansas projects include:
- K-23 modernization project, reconstruct and add shoulders from I-70 north to County Road 406 in Sheridan/Gove counties, $40 million
- K-27 modernization project, reconstruct and add shoulders from 2.4 miles north of E. U.S. 40 junction north to Zigzag Road in Wallace County, $35 million
Kevin Schoendaler, a commissioner for the City of Hoxie, was among those joining Governor Kelly and others for today’s announcement. Representatives from Sheridan and Gove Counties and the City of Hoxie have proactively advocated for the K-23 project, as the road serves as the main transportation artery between Hoxie and I-70.
“I would like to thank everyone who took time over the years to attend meetings and forums to help us get to this day,” said Commissioner Schoendaler. “Saying this project is important to Hoxie is an understatement. It is a ‘must have.’ On behalf of the residents of Sheridan and Gove counties and everyone who travels this highway, thank you for selecting this project.”
The move into the development pipeline now clears the way for preliminary engineering work to begin on these projects, which are located in every region of the state.
“These highway projects tackle long-standing transportation needs across the state – improving safety, expanding economic development opportunities and strengthening our communities,” Governor Kelly said. “My administration is committed to making short- and long-term infrastructure improvements to benefit future generations of Kansans.”
Secretary Reed said input from Kansans helped determine what investments were of the highest priority to rural and urban communities. He said the selection process is flexible to meet economic needs and is based on engineering data, local consultation and geographic distribution.
A list of all the IKE Development Pipeline projects and more information on modernization and expansion projects is available at https://ike.ksdot.gov/projects/development-pipeline-announcement-2024.