Gov. Jeff Colyer announced a new $65 million project Tuesday to improve a section of I-235 stretching over the Little Arkansas River in Wichita.
The project will replace bridges in poor condition, add auxiliary lanes and improve the interchange ramp at Broadway.
"Investing in the modernization of our transportation network here in Sedgwick County really improves our local quality of life," Colyer said near the interchange. "It is important for economic development."
The project is expected to start in March 2019 and finish at the end of 2021. The construction will likely cause the closure of Arkansas Avenue, Broadway and Old Lawrence Road during some weekend and off-peak hours.
Further improvement plans are being worked on for I-235, I-135, K-96 and K-254 with an additional estimated cost of $190 million.
"Transportation is the lifeblood of economic development," said Sedgwick County Commissioner Chairman David Dennis. "This project that was announced today is a great start on fixing the north junction."
Stephan Bisaha, based at KMUW in Wichita, is a reporter for the Kansas News Service, a statewide collaboration between KMUW, Kansas Public Radio, KCUR and High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics. Follow him on Twitter @SteveBisaha.