The work evident now on the Emporia service exit is one of several signs of investments now underway through the Kansas Turnpike Authority’s latest batch of improvements for the highway system.
The current plan involves around $500 million worth of investments through fiscal 2030. Chief Executive Officer Steve Hewitt says this piggy-backs off a 10-year, nearly $1 billion investment package including bridge preservation, new or expanded truck parking and the systemwide introduction of cashless tolling.
Hewitt says traditional infrastructure is a key part of the plan, starting with preservation and capacity. However, Hewitt also says there will also be upgrades for technology, operations and “customer experience.”
To pay for all these improvements and to offset inflationary pressures, there will be toll increases to come — soon, as in Sept 1. This will be the first toll increase in 4 years.
There will be a 3-percent increase per year for a 3-year period for passenger vehicles, or any vehicles with up to 4 axles. The increase goes to 4-percent a year for commercial vehicles, again for a 3-year period.
Locally, Hewitt says the over $15 million package of changes at the Emporia service exit will make travel easier over the next 15-18 months.
The old fuel station will eventually be demolished. Hewitt says additional truck parking, showers and a dog park will be among the new amenities.
Also, after two significant bridge hits at the bridge over US Highway 50 the last 18 months, Hewitt says the bridge currently doesn’t need any additional significant repairs.
A bridge hit earlier this month caused minor damage, but a separate incident in April 2025 caused major damage to the understructure and led to months of repairs.
The Turnpike opened to drivers in 1956. It serves millions of customers every year. Hewitt says about 45 percent of Turnpike traffic is from out-of-state. And, yes, conversations are already underway about possible future investments beyond fiscal 2030.
0:25 – 4027-Hewitt Future
Click here for a link to the KTA’s Long-Term Investment Plan.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short report from the service area and other local content.
