Today, our GLCM group had the incredible opportunity to visit the US 69 Tollway construction project, also known as 69 Express. Before stepping onto the site, we were given a comprehensive presentation by the project team. They provided insightful details about the project’s scope, challenges, and progress while generously treating us to lunch with pizza from a local favorite.
Located in Overland Park, Kansas, the US 69 Tollway project spans from 103rd to 151st Street. Branded as 69 Express, this design-build project is a joint venture between Ames Construction and Emery Sapp & Sons. The primary objectives of the project are to alleviate the severe congestion north of 159th Street, and to reduce crash rates that are exceeding the statewide average by 53%. Additionally, much of the infrastructure, including bridges and pavement, is over 50 years old and in dire need of reconstruction. The project involves several major components: the addition of an express toll lane, construction of 26 bridges, arterial street improvements, and the installation of 11 noise walls. Unlike traditional tollway projects primarily focused on revenue generation, this initiative is centered on congestion management. The toll prices will fluctuate based on traffic conditions and the time of day, with a minimum toll in place but no cap on the maximum fare. A significant amount of planning went into this project before construction even began. A comprehensive concept study took approximately 15 to 16 months to complete, along with a Level 2 toll study, to ensure the most effective solutions were being implemented. One of the unique aspects of this project is that construction began with an initial $175 million investment even before the design was fully completed.
Currently, the project is 27 months into its four-year timeline and remains on schedule, largely thanks to an aggressive 24/6 work approach. This means crews work 24 hours a day, six days a week. To facilitate continuous work, noise ordinances were waived, allowing round-the-clock operations. This approach has accelerated progress significantly. With such an intense construction schedule, worker safety and well-being have been top priorities. Increased safety briefings, additional days off around holidays, crew recognition programs, and monthly OSHA meetings have all been implemented to ensure a secure work environment. Impressively, the project has maintained a record of 365 days without a recordable injury. This emphasis on safety not only protects the workforce but also contributes to overall project efficiency.
Our site visit to the US 69 Tollway project was an eye-opening experience. Witnessing the scale of the work, the level of planning involved, and the innovative strategies used to keep the project on track was truly impressive. The dedication of the project team to efficiency, safety, and community impact demonstrates what’s possible when engineering excellence meets strategic execution. With 27 months down and more progress to come, this project is shaping up to be a model for future infrastructure improvements.
Blog by Giselle Anguiano