KDOT holds open house to share plans to convert K-254 into freeway

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Kansas Department of Transportation revealed its plan to make changes along the K-254 corridor from Wichita to El Dorado.

The 22-mile stretch of highway is home to several dangerous crashes, and it’s a problem for many living along the highway.

On Wednesday night, KDOT revealed its plan to turn 254 into more of a freeway. But rather than accessing the highway from side roads, people would have to go to specific interchanges to enter.

Additionally, the agency is looking to create diamond interchanges to make the merging of traffic safer.

KDOT says it has heard the public’s concerns and it hopes to make the highway safer.

“I think that people are fairly positive,” KDOT special projects manager David Seitz said. “They want to see a change on 254. They want a safer highway, and we’re here to help them do that with this plan.”

KDOT said there is no estimated cost for the project. 12 News erroneously reported the initial cost would be $50 million.