KDOT

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) in the US has unveiled a plan to invest $1.2bn over the next two years to improve the condition of roads and bridges in the state.

The scope of work includes preserving, modernising and expanding roads on both state and local road systems.

KDOT plans to implement 464 highway projects, 194 bridge and interchange projects, as well as 1,603 miles of improvements.

Out of the total investment, $399m will be invested on heavy preservation, $242m on light preservation, $85m on modernisation projects, $397m on expansion projects and $76m on local construction.

KDOT transportation secretary Mike King said: "This continues the steady flow of work, and the construction jobs created by that work, under the ten-year T-Works transportation programme passed during the 2010 legislative session.

Some of the major projects include a $116m expansion of the Interstate 235/US 54 Highway (Kellogg Avenue) interchange in west Wichita and a $95m expansion from Cypress to Wiedemann in east Wichita.

Approximately 65% of the projects will focus on preservation, which will protect the investments already made by the state for its public road system.

Construction works will be carried out during the 2015 and 2016 financial years.

King added: "The construction work will create jobs for hundreds of workers, who will spend their paychecks in communities all over the state, spreading the benefits far beyond the construction industry.

"But the better news is the long-term job prospects these improvements will help make possible."

Image: The US 54/400 westbound road near Pratt, Kansas, US. Photo: courtesy of GTSinc.