The Kansas Turnpike Authority announced today it would build a new turnpike exit near Tonganoxie, about 10 miles east of Lawrence.

The new interchange, which will be built at Milepost 212 on the turnpike, is in response to a ballot issue approved last year by Leavenworth County voters.

Last year, the Leavenworth County Commission got a commitment from KTA to consider the interchange, if county voters approved funding for improvements to a county road leading to it.

The KTA agreed and Leavenworth County voters extended a countywide sales tax.

Some of the revenue from the sales tax was targeted for improving Leavenworth County Road 1, leading to the planned interchange.

After the ballot measure was approved in April, the KTA said it began working on a traffic analysis to see if an interchange was feasible.

“The Kansas Turnpike Authority is pleased that the analysis does show that the proposed interchange is a financially sound investment and is excited about making the Turnpike roadway an alternative travel choice to more customers,” the KTA said.

The KTA said under the arrangement, Leavenworth County will be responsible for the cost of upgrading three miles of County Road 1 between Tonganoxie and the new interchange.

The KTA said it will be responsible for the cost of constructing the interchange.