Plans to add a pair of traffic signals and expand the interchange ramps at the intersection of Kansas Highway 10 and West Sixth Street received a boost Friday.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., announced she’s agreed to support the city’s request for $2.5 million in federal funding for the project.

“I have always said I would support funding for necessary road and bridge infrastructure projects,” Jenkins said in a release. “Lawrence’s request will greatly improve this important interchange.”

In early May, city commissioners agreed to submit six projects to be considered for funding under the next federal surface transportation bill.

City Engineer Shoeb Uddin said plans call for the entrance and exit ramps onto Kansas Highway 10 — also known as the South Lawrence Trafficway — to be expanded to two lanes. Traffic signals would be placed at each ramp as well.

“During peak hours in the morning and afternoon, there is a pretty long line,” Uddin said. “It makes it difficult for people getting off K-10 to get onto Sixth Street. Traffic would be able to move more smoothly.”

Jenkins’ support of the project does not ensure the city will receive funding for it. But members of Congress traditionally have been successful in requesting funding for some high-priority projects in their districts.

Congress is expected to debate the transportation bill later this year.

Other projects that the city submitted for consideration include:

• $7 million for a new joint city and Kansas University transit maintenance facility.

• $12.4 million to help with replacement of the city’s transit fleet.

• $12 million for an interchange at Bob Billings Parkway and Kansas Highway 10.

• $4.5 million to construct Franklin Road north of Kansas Highway 10 and east to Greenway Circle in the East Hills Business Park.

• $7.5 million to extend Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road.