Davids Works “Sharice’s Shift” on US 69, Highlights Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Impact
US 69 is currently the most congested and most dangerous four-lane road in Kansas
OVERLAND PARK, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids worked a "Sharice's Shift" on US 69 to highlight the impact and implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Davids, who previously released a report on the state of road infrastructure in Kansas' Third District, shadowed the Storm Drainage crew and helped lay 60” concrete pipes. Davids previously helped break ground on the US 69 modernization project, which is funded in part by the bipartisan infrastructure law.
“Modernizing US 69 has been a priority since my predecessor’s predecessor, and the bipartisan infrastructure law is helping to finally get this project off the ground,” said Davids. “This is a great example of how federal investments in our local infrastructure are creating jobs and building safer, stronger, and smarter roadways across Kansas. It was great shadowing hard-working Kansans today and I appreciate the Kansas Department of Transportation’s work to implement federal resources efficiently and effectively.”
In Kansas, there are 1321 bridges and over 1,995 miles of highway in poor condition. Kansas is expected to receive approximately $2.8 billion over five years in bipartisan infrastructure law investment for highways and bridges, with $1.1 billion already being announced. Davids repeatedly advocated for the US 69 project as the bipartisan infrastructure law advanced through Congress, raising it with the President himself prior to its passage.
The bipartisan infrastructure law is helping fund the US 69 expansion project, which has been a priority in Johnson County for decades. Specifically, recent federal funding allowed KDOT to accelerate the US 69 / 167th St Interchange, which is projected to see 30,000 vehicles daily by 2050 — a 450% increase from current levels. The updated interchange will help support expected growth in southern Johnson County and create a clear path for emergency vehicles to reach the recently expanded AdventHealth South Overland Park Hospital.
“The progress we’re seeing with the 69Express project is the result of KDOT and its partners moving quickly to take advantage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation. “This first-of-its-kind project in Kansas will help manage congestion, improve safety and keep traffic moving well into the future.”
“The U.S. 69 Expansion Project is a welcome boost for the region's economy,” said Michael White, Executive Director, Kansas Contractors Association. “With construction already underway, these improvements will deliver increased safety, reliability and faster commute times for Kansas drivers and businesses.”
“The 69 Express project is just one of more than 48,000 road and bridge projects advanced across the nation thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Dean Franks, Senior Vice President, American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). “ARTBA commends Rep. Davids for her support of the law that will improve the lives of Kansans throughout her district.”
In all, more than $1.5 billion in federal bipartisan infrastructure law funding has been announced for Kansas, with over 115 specific projects identified for funding—from lead pipe replacement in Olathe to safety initiatives in KCK to long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County. Davids is the only member of the Kansas delegation to vote for the law.
Davids has also worked a "Sharice's Shifts" with the KC Levee Project and at the K-10 Lexington Avenue exit, which will be the main roadway for Kansans traveling to the planned Panasonic Energy manufacturing facility. She also worked a shift delivering packages with UPS to highlight her work to improve supply chain issues and boost employment in the trucking industry amid driver shortages.