photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

A sign along I-70 near the Lawrence exit touting the University of Kansas and its six-time men's basketball national championships and its six-time national debate tournament winning teams.

A more than $135 million project to convert the Kansas Turnpike to a six-lane highway through Lawrence has won approval and may begin its more than two-year construction process this spring.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority announced on Tuesday that has approved a $136.6 million bid to add a third lane in each direction along a section of the turnpike — which also serves as U.S. Interstate 70 — in Douglas and Leavenworth counties.

photo by: Chad Lawhorn/Journal-World

A section of the Kansas Turnpike between Lawrence and the Tonganoxie/Eudora interchange is pictured on Oct. 27, 2026

According to a press release, the KTA has awarded the contract to Wildcat Construction, Inc. to widen I-70 across a nine-mile stretch. The project will begin at a point just west of the East Lawrence interchange — the interchange that leads to North — Lawrence. Its at that point where the turnpike is currently six lanes heading to the west but is four lanes heading to the east. The project will stretch the six-lane configuration eastward to a point just east of the Tonganoxie/Eudora interchange on the turnpike.

Construction work is expected to begin in mid-March and likely will last until mid-June 2029, the Turnpike Authority said in its release.

“This investment is about preparing the Turnpike for the future while continuing to provide the reliable roadway our customers depend on every day,” Glen Scott, KTA chief engineer, said in the release. “By expanding this nine-mile stretch of I-70 to three lanes in each direction, we’re creating more room for travelers by addressing congestion, safety and future growth.”

Jeri Biehler, a spokesperson for the KTA, said via email that two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained on I-70 throughout construction. She added that limited single lane closures will occur at off-peak travel times and speeds will be reduced. There could be width restrictions for overly wide loads, she said.

“Travelers are encouraged to follow posted speeds, use caution and avoid distractions in the construction area,” Biehler said.

The project also includes replacing two overhead bridges. Biehler said that one of the bridges is on Loring Road, where it crosses the Kansas Turnpike just before reaching the Lawrence Service Area. The second bridge is located along 214th St near Tonganoxie.

Biehler said both of these local roads will be closed during construction. The KTA is planning for the following alternate routes:

For eastbound traffic on Loring Road, the planned detour is north on U.S. 24 Highway east along Cantrell Road, then south on 238th St. back to Loring Road.

For northbound traffic on 214th St., the planned detour is east on Stillwell Road, north on 206th St., then west on Hemphill Road back to 214th St.