The City of Wichita will apply for a federal grant under the new bipartisan infrastructure bill to study a west side interchange for needed improvement projects.  The study will focus on the interchange of Kellogg with Eisenhower Airport Parkway (Ridge Road).

City Engineer Gary Janzen told the City Council on Tuesday that the interchange is 40 years old and is becoming more efficient as development continues in the area.  He said the interchange is one of the higher crash-rate intersections in the city and the structure is deteriorating.

Janzen said the study would identify high priority projects to improve traffic flow and access for bicycles and pedestrians, and it would also include drainage projects to deal with street flooding issues.   He said the grant would also look at transit needs, since there is no transit connection to the airport, and a potential future project could create a transit hub.

The City Council gave unanimous approval for a RAISE grant program under the federal infrastructure law.   The grant would provide $2.4 million with the city providing $600,00 in matching funds.   The deadline for the application is February 28th and grant selections will be made by the end of June.    Janzen said if the city is approved for the grant, work will begin right away on the study, then projects will be identified for future design and construction.

City Council member Mike Hoheisel said the main complaint he hears from travelers and airport employees is the lack of a transit connection, and he’s glad to see a transit center included in the study.