Work has started on the second phase of a project to reconstruct what is known as the North Junction in Wichita.   The junction of I-135, I-235, K-96 and K-254 has around 100,000 vehicles per day, and the project is aimed at improving mobility and safety.

The second phase, known as the Gold Project, began Monday with crews working to reconfigure the lanes of southbound I-135 from 53rd Street North to 37th Street North.  The lanes will be limited to 11 feet in width.    Tom Hein with the Kansas Department of Transportation says some concrete barriers will also be put up to protect workers.  This initial work will allow for the construction of new ramps from I-135 to I-235.

The northbound I-135 loop ramp will be replaced with a two-lane flyover ramp with direct access to southbound I-235 and westbound K-96.   In addition, the westbound K-254 ramp to southbound I-235 will be improved by extending the acceleration lane before drivers merge into I-135 traffic.

The improvements are expected to improve the condition of the infrastructure and reduce the need for maintenance, and there will be enhanced safety features.  The improvements will also help in limiting or eliminating congestion bottlenecks.    The Gold Project Phase 2A will be completed in late 2023.    Phase 2B is being designed and could begin construction in 2023.   It will provide a two-lane direct connection from northbound I-235 to eastbound K-96, and it will reconstruct other ramps that connect K-96 with I-135.

The first phase, known as the Green Project, has been reconstructing pavement, bridges and the Broadway interchange on I-235 from Meridian to Broadway.  It will be completed later this year.    The third phase, known as the Purple Project, will complete the major infrastructure improvements for the North Junction.

More information on the Gold Project can be found at www.135Gold.com

[ photo:  KanDrive.org ]