Since a major refresh of the Kansas Turnpike’s Emporia service exit was announced earlier this summer, the general timeline has been 15-18 months. The Turnpike Authority outlined a firmer time frame Thursday.
Foundation walls and footing construction will take place in October and November, with vertical structural steel and masonry work happening in December and January, weather permitting. The new facility should open in August 2027, almost exactly a year after demolition started. The project ends in December 2027 when the existing convenience store is demolished, new parking is added and a new dog park is finished.
Utility construction is now underway.
The KTA is modernizing the facility by going from 2 buildings to 1, upgrading amenities like restrooms, expanding food and beverage options and enhancing services for travelers.
Separately, the Turnpike Authority announced its KTAG system gained compatibility with several additional agencies nationwide. KTAG now works with nearly 20 tolling entities in 10 states — Kansas through 69Express Lanes, as well as Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas.
