U.S. 56 Expansion Study in Barton County
Project Description
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is completing a discovery phase study for proposed improvements to expand roughly 2 miles of U.S. 56 to four lanes from the Great Bend east city limits to the K-156 intersection in Barton County. Improvements to the K-156 intersection are also being explored.
Local stakeholder engagement and a public meeting are scheduled to occur in late summer 2022. Click here for public meeting details.
This project is in the early design/study phase and is not yet funded for construction. It was identified as a high regional priority during a Local Consult meeting in 2019 and was selected for the IKE Development Pipeline in May of 2020. Once the project has moved through final design, it would be eligible for the IKE Construction Pipeline. If selected, a proposed construction year would be provided.
Project Materials
Information presented at the September 15, 2022 public meeting is available below.
- Strip Map (4MB)
- Display Boards (10MB)
- Fact Sheet (139KB)
Meeting information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3754 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
A Continuous Green T Intersection
Video courtesy of the Virginia DOT
Project Details
| Project Name | U.S. 56 Expansion Study in Barton County |
| Project Number | KA-6022-01 |
| Location | From Great Bend east city limits (Kiowa Road) to K-156 |
| Description | Study the addition of two lanes and reconstruction of existing lanes to provide a four-lane divided expressway; includes limiting highway access and other safety enhancements |
| Length | 2.3 miles |
| Cost Estimate | Roughly $18 million |
| Project Timeline | Project is currently in the discovery phase with public input occurring in late summer 2022 |
Public Meetings
- Date - Sep. 15, 2022
- Time - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
- Location - Great Bend Events Center, Fort Zarah Room (3111 10th Street)
- Public Comment Period - Sep. 15, 2022 to Sep. 23, 2022
- Agenda - KDOT hosted an open house-style public meeting to discuss proposed plans to expand about 2 miles of U.S. 56 to a four-lane expressway - from the east city limits of Great Bend to the K-156 intersection in Barton County. Proposed improvements to the K-156 intersection will also be shared. The meeting was held on Thursday, September 15, at the Great Bend Events Center. The public was welcome to stop by any time between 4 and 6 p.m. to view information and speak with project staff. No formal presentations was made. Unable to attend? For those unable to attend on September 15, meeting materials are on the project website. The information shared online is the same information presented at the public meeting.
Who to Contact
Thomas J. Hussa, P.E.
KDOT Project Manager
785-296-1393
thomas.hussa@ks.gov
Tim Potter
KDOT Public Affairs Manager
620-727-2278
tim.potter@ks.gov