photo by: Kansas Turnpike Authority

This rendering from the Kansas Turnpike Authority shows an example of highway-speed K-Tag lanes like those that are now in place at the East Topeka toll plaza.

Lawrence drivers heading to Topeka on the turnpike will likely get to their destination a little faster after the Kansas Turnpike Authority upgraded the toll road.

Rex Fleming, an engineer for KTA, said the organization on Wednesday opened both of the “fast lanes” for westbound traffic exiting the turnpike at the East Topeka toll plaza, which is at Mile 183 on I-70.

The renovated toll plaza allows drivers with K-TAGs, or other recognized devices, to drive through the entry without slowing down. A K-TAG is an electronic device that is read at toll plazas and that allows the driver to pay tolls at a later date.

“You can go through it at regular highway speed,” Fleming said.

The second lane for eastbound drivers to enter the turnpike will open between Friday and Nov. 13, he said. Eastbound drivers have had one of the two open-road toll lanes since August.

The toll plaza has been under construction since October 2017. While construction will continue in the area, the open-road toll ways will be completely open, Fleming said.

Those without a K-TAG can take an exit on the right to pay the toll with cash or credit card.

If drivers gets confused and head toward the open-road toll without a K-TAG, Fleming advised them to continue on through. The toll plaza is equipped with cameras that take photos of license plates, and a bill will be sent to the address associated with the car.

“We don’t want you stopping and getting out walking around at a high-speed facility,” he said.