Wichita begins its first ARRA project

U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John D. Porcari today kicked off construction of the I-135 interchange, the first highway project in Wichita with construction costs fully funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“The reconstruction of the I-135 interchange here in Wichita is a great example of a stimulus project that’s going to leave a lasting impression,” Porcari said. “This project is going to relieve a chronic bottleneck and open the door to new commercial and retail development.”

The winning $16.1 million bid on the I-135 interchange construction came in $7 million dollars less than expected, which will allow for additional improvements to 47th Street and for the completion of the K-18 Corridor from Ogden to Manhattan.

Overall, Kansas has obligated almost $250 million for transportation projects around the state, of which almost $220 million is for highway projects.

“As a result of this ground-breaking legislation,” Porcari added, “we’re putting people back to work in Wichita and other communities across the country.”