• JULY 1, 2010 - State Farm Insurance will partner with the Kansas Turnpike this summer for the State Farm Safety Assist program, re-implementing and expanding the program that helps stranded motorists and makes Turnpike travel safer and easier.
  Under the program, two State Farm Safety Assist vehicles will patrol the heavily traveled Kansas City to Topeka corridor. And, for the first time, a unit will patrol the section from Wichita to the Oklahoma border, the Turnpike's second-busiest stretch. The Safety Assist program will operate from July 1 through Labor Day, Sept. 6.
  The sponsorship by State Farm - the largest auto insurer in Kansas and the nation - provides financial resources to help put the assistance program back on the road. From 2000 to 2008, motorist assistance vehicles patrolled the Turnpike, assisting drivers of broken-down vehicles, looking for debris on the road, and helping with accidents or other incidents. Due to the challenging operating environment created by the economy, the program was sidelined in 2008.
  "Over the past several years, the Turnpike has put a high priority on reducing operating costs while still providing customers safe, high-quality service," said Michael Johnston, Turnpike President/CEO. "We appreciate that the State Farm partnership allows the KTA to return Safety Assist to the highway and expand the area where it helps motorists." Turnpike employees will patrol in red-and-white State Farm-sponsored vehicles from 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 3 to 7 p.m. Sundays. They help in a number of ways to promote safety on the Turnpike during the busy summer travel season.
  In addition to helping individual customers, State Farm Safety Assist is intended to improve safety by clearing congestion from disabled vehicles and free up time that troopers use to perform normal, important law enforcement duties. Reader's Digest recently named Kansas roads the nation's best and singled out I-35. With increased summer travel, combined with improvement projects under way in patrol areas, the Safety Assist program can help preserve that safety honor.
  Each State Farm Safety Assist unit carries jumper cables, gas cans, floor jacks and other integral tools to help travelers recover from the unexpected.
  
  Services will include:
  
  Providing fuel to get a customer to next service station.
  Watching for and removing debris from the road.
  Helping change flat tires.
  Calling tow trucks.
  Offering minor mechanical assistance.
  Assisting with traffic direction at accidents and other incidents to clear congestion and lower the risk of dangerous secondary accidents.
  Checking on the welfare of travelers.
  
  State Farm is an ideal sponsor as the company, which insures about 1 in 5 cars in Kansas, is a leading advocate for safer roads. State Farm has a long history of supporting auto safety initiatives through partnerships that supply financial and operational resources to organizations such as the Kansas Turnpike.
  "Over 286,000 Kansans have come to rely on the quality service and relationships, innovative products, mutual trust, integrity and financial strength provided by State Farm Insurance Companies and the 240 Agents in Kansas,” said John Langcuster, State Farm Kansas Vice President of Agency. "Our support of the Safety Assist program underscores the continued commitment State Farm has to help protect our customers in Kansas and make our roads safer. Safety Assist is a fine example of our good neighbor philosophy."
  The Kansas Turnpike is just the latest roadway to benefit from the State Farm sponsorship of motorist assistance programs. The company operates patrols in partnership with Florida's Turnpike, the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the E-470 tollway in Denver and New York state. More than 40 states have some type of safety patrol.
  The State Farm sponsorship in Kansas was announced Thursday, July 1, at news conferences in Topeka and Wichita. Contact Lisa Callahan, (316) 652-2606, for assistance or questions. For photos of the State Farm Safety Assist, view the Safety Assist folder on the Turnpike's Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksturnpike. For video of the Safety Assist in action, download footage at www.travelersmarketing.com/KTA.
  About the Kansas Turnpike
  The Kansas Turnpike Authority is a privately financed business that operates as an independent instrumentality of the state, performing an essential government function, specifically providing toll-supported transportation services. Turnpike employees are charged with maintaining and improving the roadway and its function as a vital corridor to move people and goods in Kansas.
  About State Farm
  State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the United States and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees serve more than 76 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.7 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com.
  

State Farm will be teaming up with the Kansas Turnpike Authority to provide additional service and safety for travelers. The two organizations, along with the Kansas Highway Patrol, will be hosting the State Farm Take-A-Break-for-Safety event this year at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, a time that traditionally kicks off the summer travel season.
The State Farm Take-A-Break-for-Safety event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Towanda Service Area at Milepost 65 on the Turnpike/I-35 south of El Dorado on Friday, May 28.
"Everyone is in a hurry to get to their destination," said KHP Troop G Commander, Capt. John Walters. "This event is intended to grab the attention of travelers and help them realize how dangerous some decisions can be. It's easy to buckle a safety belt and that might make all the difference in a crash."
The event will include the KHP's Rollover Crash Simulator; Safe Kids' Child Safety Seat check lane; and a set of DUI goggles. Also available at the State Farm Take-A-Break-for-Safety event will be information on teen driving, child passenger safety, a teen driver parenting handbook, a Keeping Kids Safe During Crashes Tip Sheet, and take-away items to remind visitors to live and drive safely.
"As the number one insurer of homes and autos in the US, it is a natural partnership to support a program to help educate motorists about safe driving," said Tamara O'Connor, State Farm Director of Public Relations. "By partnering together with KTA and KHP, State Farm builds on a tradition of supporting safety and prevention initiatives across the country. Education, safety, and community development are key components in State Farm's goal of helping to build strong, safe, and better educated communities."
The Towanda Service Area at Milepost 67 features a McDonald's restaurant and Circle K C-store and fuel retailer located in one convenient building.
Additional information about State Farm's safety initiatives can be found at www.statefarm.com. Learn more about the Turnpike's electronic tolling program at www.myktag.com.

On March 15, 2010 at approximately 4:38 AM, KTA dispatch received several reports of a northbound vehicle in the southbound lanes from the Belle Plaine Service Area. At approximately 4:40 AM a red SUV was northbound in the southbound lanes and at milepost 30.9 struck a southbound van head on in the southbound passing lane. The van was then struck in the rear by a southbound semi truck and trailer. The truck and trailer then overturned onto its right side, completely blocking the roadway. The SUV and van came to rest in the passing lane blocking the inside Southbound lane. The SUV also caught fire. There was considerable debris from the vehicles and fuel leakage from the semi. The truck/trailer was loaded with meat however the trailer did not break open.
The driver of the SUV, a 1995 Chevrolet, was identified as: Gregory Davis, a 27-year-old male, from Wichita, Ks. He was fatally injured.
The driver of the van, a 2005 Dodge van, was Kyoung Yeon Chae, a 39-year old female from Wichita. She was fatally injured.
Two passengers in the van were also fatally injured: Yuna Choi, a 17 year female and Seo Won Choi, a 9-year male both also from Wichita.
A third passenger, Hanna Choi, 17-year old from Wichita was critically injured and transported to Wesley Hospital. She is a twin sister the fatally injured 17 year female.
The truck driver, Reginald Jones, a 37-year old male from Hopkins, South Carolina was transported to St. Francis hospital with non-serious injuries.
The southbound lanes of the Turnpike were blocked until approximately 0945 when one lane (passing lane) was opened up. The driving lane remains blocked until the semi can get offloaded and moved. Estimated time to open both lanes is early afternoon sometime.
Accident worked by Troop G assisted by KHP CHART Team and mappers. KTA Maintenance also assisted on scene and with traffic control.
UPDATE: The driving lane at the accident scene reopened to traffic at approximately 6 p.m. on March 15, 2010.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority has shifted its construction schedule for the Kansas River Bridges Replacement and Plaza Improvement Project due to construction within the city of Lawrence. Monday, April 5 is the new projected date for the closure of Plaza 204, the I-70 interchange on North 2nd Street that provides access to US-59, US-40 and north Lawrence. This change comes from a request from the City of Lawrence due to delays in a construction project at Second and Locust Streets. KTA project engineer Rex Fleming said this change allows two additional weeks to restore two-way traffic in the construction zone and avoid having an area of town with diminished availability to emergency services. "We are pleased that we could help," Fleming said. "Any further delay could threaten to push the Turnpike's schedule into potential inclement weather at the end of 2010." Despite this change, the length of the closure is still expected to last approximately seven months. Additional information will be provided in the month prior to the closure. As previously noted about the project, this is a necessary step in the construction of a new eastbound bridge over the Kansas River in Lawrence. It is a part of the Kansas River Bridges Replacement and Plaza Improvement Project that began in June 2008 and is scheduled to be completed by late 2011. The entire project is estimated to cost $130 million and include new east- and westbound bridges over the river, new ramps and alignments at Plaza 202 (McDonald Dr with access to Iowa St), a completely new interchange at Plaza 204 (US-59, US-40, North 2nd St), and new overhead bridges to accommodate a wider roadway beneath. For additional project information, visit the construction web site at www.SpanningTheFuture.com.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority has set a tentative date of March 22 for the temporary closing of Plaza 204, the I-70 interchange on North 2nd Street that provides access to US-59, US-40 and north Lawrence. The date of this interchange closing is dependent on weather and the contractor's construction progress and schedule. The closure will last approximately seven months. Additional information will be provided in the month prior to the closure. As previously noted about the project, this is a necessary step in the construction of a new eastbound bridge over the Kansas River in Lawrence. It is a part of the Kansas River Bridges Replacement and Plaza Improvement Project that began in June 2008 and is scheduled to be completed by late 2011. The entire project is estimated to cost $130 million and include new east- and westbound bridges over the river, new ramps and alignments at Plaza 202 (McDonald Dr with access to Iowa St), a completely new interchange at Plaza 204 (US-59, US-40, North 2nd St), and new overhead bridges to accommodate a wider roadway beneath. For additional project information, visit the construction web site at www.SpanningTheFuture.com.

As a part of the Kansas Turnpike Authority's project to replace the Kansas River Bridges in Lawrence, explosive charges are tentatively planned to be used on Wednesday, January 13 at approximately 2 p.m. on the old, out-of-service bridges. The sections of the original steel structure that are scheduled to be "dropped" on Tuesday include all remaining westbound spans. This date is tentative and may be changed due to weather.
Despite planning for a 2 p.m. blast, this construction process will take place when both the contractors are ready and road conditions are favorable. Information concerning a time change will be communicated via the Turnpike's Twitter account (www.twitter.com/KansasTurnpike) on the day of the blast as information is available.
Residents in Douglas County, especially in the area of the Turnpike's river bridge, should expect a loud noise associated with the blast. Turnpike travelers should take extra precaution to obey Kansas Highway Patrol, Turnpike and construction personnel. Travelers should expect minor delays of less than 15 minutes in the area of the bridges immediately prior to the blast.
Burcham Park to the south of the bridges remains the only safe location to view the work. An area of 1,000-ft will be secured prior to the blast.

The Tonganoxie/Eudora Interchange at Milepost 212 on the Kansas Turnpike/I-70 will open at approximately 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, December 29. This is earlier in the day than originally announced.
The interchange is the first of its kind on the Kansas Turnpike. It will be completely automated and will include self-pay machines similar to those found in large retail or grocery stores.
Together with Leavenworth County, the KTA approved the interchange's construction in 2006. This joint project included improvements to 222nd St (County Road 1), which made the interchange possible. Additional information on the project can be found on the Turnpike's web site at www.ksturnpike.com by clicking on the Travel Information tab and viewing Construction Updates.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority has set a date for the opening of the Tonganoxie/Eudora Interchange at Milepost 212 on I-70, the first interstate interchange in Leavenworth County. On December 29, 2009, the interchange will open at approximately 12 p.m.
The interchange is the first of its kind on the Kansas Turnpike. It will be completely automated and will include self-pay machines similar to those found in large retail or grocery stores.
Together with Leavenworth County, the KTA approved the interchange's construction in 2006. This joint project included improvements to 222nd St (County Road 1), which made the interchange possible. Additional information on the project can be found on the Construction Updates page.

The demolition work on the out-of-service bridges over the Kansas River in Lawrence that was scheduled for Wednesday has been rescheduled to Friday, December 11 at approximately 10 a.m., weather dependent.
This demolition work involves the use of explosives and requires advance work underneath the bridges that won't be possible due to the anticipated winter storm.
The sections of the original steel structure that are scheduled to be "dropped" on Friday include the two spans east of the river and the remaining eastbound spans. Road conditions will dictate whether the KTA will conduct the rolling roadblock necessary for the blast.
Despite planning for a 10 a.m. blast, this construction process will take place when both the contractors are ready and road conditions are favorable. Information concerning a time change will be communicated via the Turnpike's Twitter account (www.twitter.com/KansasTurnpike) on the day of the blast as information is available.
Residents in Douglas County, especially in the area of the Turnpike's river bridges, should expect a loud noise associated with the blast. Turnpike travelers should take extra precaution to obey Kansas Highway Patrol, Turnpike and construction personnel. Travelers should expect minor delays of less than 15 minutes in the area of the bridges immediately prior to the blast.
Burcham Park to the south of the bridges remains the only safe location to view the work. An area of 1,000-ft will be secured prior to the blast.

As a part of the Kansas Turnpike Authority's project to replace the Kansas River Bridges in Lawrence, explosive charges will again be used on Wednesday, December 9 at approximately 10 a.m. on the old, out-of-service bridges. The sections of the original steel structure that are scheduled to be "dropped" on Tuesday include the two spans east of the river and the remaining eastbound spans. Because of winter weather possibly arriving in the area next week, road conditions will dictate whether the KTA will conduct the rolling roadblock necessary for the blast.
Despite planning for a 10 a.m. blast, this construction process will take place when both the contractors are ready and road conditions are favorable. Information concerning a time change will be communicated via the Turnpike's Twitter account (www.twitter.com/KansasTurnpike) on the day of the blast as information is available.
A tentative date of Tuesday, December 15 has been set for another blast to remove the remaining westbound spans. Both demolition dates depend on weather and contractor scheduling.
Residents in Douglas County, especially in the area of the Turnpike's river bridge, should expect a loud noise associated with the blast. Turnpike travelers should take extra precaution to obey Kansas Highway Patrol, Turnpike and construction personnel. Travelers should expect minor delays of less than 15 minutes in the area of the bridges immediately prior to the blast.
Burcham Park to the south of the bridges remains the only safe location to view the work. An area of 1,000-ft will be secured prior to the blast.

Predictions released last week by AAA indicate that automotive travel will be up as much as 2.1 percent for the 2009 holiday weekend.
"We expect to see an approximate 2 percent increase over last year's holiday travel," said Director of Public Relations Lisa Callahan. "Our traffic tends to follow the national average."
Traditionally, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the Kansas Turnpike's busiest travel day of the year. If there is additional traffic on the Turnpike this year, travelers need to be prepared. For travelers using the Turnpike this holiday season, the Kansas Turnpike Authority offers the following advice:
* Allow plenty of time for possible delays or extra stops. More traffic on the road can mean backups if there is an accident or stalled vehicle on the road.
* Have your toll ticket and money ready when you arrive at the toll plaza. Turnpike customers can also pick up a K-TAG at a Dillons, Walgreens or AAA office before getting on the road.
* For those traveling I-70 between Lawrence and Kansas City, the new interchange in Leavenworth County will not be available for use during this holiday. The KTA hopes to have the interchange open in the next 60 days. An opening date will be announced via the local media and the Turnpike's web site as soon as that information is available.
* Drive for the road conditions. If there is heavy traffic, wet surfaces, fog or other hazards, increase following distance and be prepared to stop.
* Watch for deer. This time of year brings extra deer movements, especially around dawn and dusk.

The second detonation to remove the Kansas Turnpike's original bridge structures across the Kansas River in Lawrence is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 19 at 10 a.m.
The portion to be removed on Thursday morning will include the westbound section adjacent to the segment that was removed on Sunday. The Thursday detonation will also break loose a truss joint on the bridge further to the east.
"This is a change from our original plans for Thursday's blast," said KTA project engineer Rex Fleming. "But the contractors have been studying it and we feel it will speed the removal process while remaining within our safety guidelines."
Contractors will then remove the steel to be recycled. The remaining larger section of the original bridges will be removed in December to make room for the construction of the new eastbound bridge.
Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and KTA maintenance crews will again be conducting a "rolling road block" to secure the roadway for a brief segment of time in the blasting area. This will occur in the 10 to 15 minutes surrounding the detonation. This construction traffic-control technique has been used successfully many times on the Kansas Turnpike and usually results in very minor delays for travelers. Anyone using the Turnpike near Lawrence on Thursday morning should obey all traffic signs, construction workers and KHP troopers. Do not stop in the construction zone unless instructed to do so by KHP or KTA.
An area of at least a 1,000-foot radius from the blasting site must be free of all roadway and pedestrian traffic. KTA and contractor crews are working with the City of Lawrence, and Douglas County to secure the area. Although some public areas will be restricted, Burcham Park is outside the 1,000-foot secured perimeter and will be open. Traffic on North 3rd Street/US-59 Highway will be stopped for approximately 10 minutes during the detonation due to its proximity to the blasting area.
"We know there is a lot of interest in this demolition. There should be. After all, this is where construction started for the Turnpike. It all began in Lawrence on New Year's Eve of 1954. This is a very historic event we are about to witness," said KTA President/CEO Michael L. Johnston. "In celebrating this event, we want to be certain not to compromise safety in any way."
The project to replace the two bridges began in June 2008 and includes interchange ramp improvements at Plazas 202 and 204 (East and West Lawrence), a new toll plaza with additional lanes at Plaza 204 (East Lawrence), as well as new I-70 bridges over the Kansas River through Lawrence. All traffic was moved onto one of the new bridges in late October. Immediately following the traffic switch to the new bridge, crews began removing the concrete decking of the original bridges.
The entire project is estimated to cost $130 million when complete in late 2011. For additional information, visit the project web site at www.SpanningTheFuture.com. To view a map showing the approximate 1,000-foot secure area, click here.

Additional information is now available on the Kansas Turnpike Authority's upcoming demolition of the original bridge structures across the Kansas River in Lawrence.
The steel structures that once carried I-70 traffic across the river will be removed in three phases, each of which will begin with a detonation. Two of the three dates for the demolition phases have been set: Sunday, November 15 at 12:30 p.m., and Thursday, November 19 at 10 a.m. The third date will likely be in early December. Times for the blasts are approximate and depend on weather.
During use of the explosives, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and KTA maintenance crews will be conducting "rolling road blocks" to secure a segment of time without Turnpike traffic in the blasting area. This construction traffic-control technique has been used successfully many times on the Kansas Turnpike and usually results in minor delays for travelers. Anyone using the Turnpike near Lawrence on these two days should obey all traffic signs, construction workers and KHP troopers. Do not stop in the construction zone unless instructed to do so by KHP or KTA.
An area of at least a 1,000-foot radius from the blasting site must be free of all roadway and pedestrian traffic. KTA and contractor crews are working with the City of Lawrence and Douglas County to secure the area. The public should be aware that due to the use of explosives, access to some areas near the bridge may be restricted even further. Although some public areas will be restricted, Burcham Park is outside the 1000-foot secured perimeter and will be open.
"Our main objective is to remove the original bridge structures safely and without incident," said KTA Director of Public Relations Lisa Callahan.
On November 15, an approximate 250-foot section of the eastbound structure will be dropped onto a temporary causeway that has been constructed in the river. Most of the steel truss will land on this platform. Contractors will then remove the steel to be recycled. The process will repeat on November 19 for a section of the westbound structure. The remaining larger section of the original bridges will be removed in December.
"We know there is a lot of interest in this demolition. There should be. After all, this is where construction started for the Turnpike. It all began in Lawrence on New Year's Eve of 1954. This is a very historic event we are about to witness," said KTA President/CEO Michael L. Johnston. "In celebrating this event, we want to be certain not to compromise safety in any way."
The project to replace the two bridges began in June 2008 and includes interchange ramp improvements at Plazas 202 and 204 (East and West Lawrence), a new toll plaza with additional lanes at Plaza 204 (East Lawrence), as well as new I-70 bridges over the Kansas River through Lawrence. All traffic was moved onto one of the new bridges in late October. Immediately following the traffic switch to the new bridge, crews began removing the concrete decking of the original bridges.
The entire project is estimated to cost $130 million when complete in late 2011. For additional information, visit the project web site at www.SpanningTheFuture.com.

Thousands of Kansans will be among the nearly 40 million Americans expected to travel the nation's highways and skyways this Labor Day weekend, predicted to be one of the busiest this decade.
Labor Day travelers will fill up the tank, load up on snacks, grab sunscreen, pack the cooler and pick up countless other items before hitting the road. With MyK-TAG now available at Dillons, Walgreens and AAA, they can add the Kansas Turnpike's road-ready, money-saving toll tag to the list.
The American Automobile Association estimates that 39.1 million Americans will travel this Labor Day weekend, predicted to be one of the busiest this decade. That's fewer than last year, when the holiday was a week earlier, the AAA said in citing one reason for the dip. Still, this Labor Day weekend would have the third-most travelers of the decade. Traffic on the Turnpike is also expected to be heavy. According to KTA President/CEO Michael L. Johnston, the Turnpike anticipates as much as a 4 percent increase over the same period a year ago.
"That could make for a very busy weekend on the Turnpike," Johnston said.
Many Kansans will take the Turnpike to reach the lake, go to the opening season football games, see friends and family, or just get out of town. In tight economic times, K-TAG remains the easiest and most efficient way to use the Turnpike. The electronic toll system lets drivers enter and exit the Turnpike without stopping at a tollbooth, an extra time-savings on busy holiday weekends.
Earlier this week, for the first time, Dillons stores across Kansas, Walgreens drugstores, and Kansas AAA offices began selling K-TAG Starter Kits that customers can buy and start using the enclosed tag right away. Available in more than 100 locations, the kits cost $15 and purchasers receive $10 in toll credits.
Motorists simply attach the tag to their windshield and can use it immediately. Within 48 hours of first using the K-TAG, the buyer must register it, either online or by telephone, to officially activate their account.
"Now that Walgreens, Dillons and AAA are offering K-TAG kits at retail locations -- many of them 24-hour operations -- K-TAG has become even more convenient for our customers," Johnston said.
For additional information on K-TAG, visit www.myktag.com or call 1-800-873-5824.

K-TAGs, the Kansas Turnpike's electronic toll collection tags, are now available in more than 100 retail locations in Kansas starting today, September 1.
To make it simpler to begin using K-TAG, Starter Kits will be sold in Walgreens drugstores near the Turnpike, Dillons stores throughout Kansas and AAA offices in Kansas. Buyers can purchase the kits for $15 (which includes $10 in toll credits), stick the enclosed tag to their windshield and start using it immediately. The buyer has 48 hours to register the K-TAG after they first use it on the Turnpike.
"Partnering with Walgreens, Dillons and AAA to offer K-TAGs for sale at retail locations -- many of which are open and available 24 hours a day -- offers the biggest convenience to our customers since the electronic toll collection program began in 1995," said KTA President/CEO Michael L. Johnston.
With a MyK-TAG account, users register a payment card and the account is billed monthly for use. With another type of account, K-TAG Classic, users establish a prepaid balance and receive an additional 10 percent discount on tolls for keeping a positive balance in their account.
K-TAGs are also available online at www.myktag.com.

Tolls for Kansas Turnpike cash customers driving passenger vehicles will increase an average of 15 percent on October 1. Cash tolls for larger trucks and trailers will raise an average of 5 percent. K-TAG rates will remain the same, meaning the electronic system remains the most affordable option for Turnpike users. In addition, it will become easier to get started with K-TAG, as consumers can buy a K-TAG at Walgreens and Dillons stores and AAA offices starting September 1.
"These changes in our toll structure are intended to better align our costs of providing service to various customer classes and, at the same time, achieve greater operating efficiencies. In addition, the current economic environment is the most challenging in the 53 year history of our business," said Michael L. Johnston, Turnpike President and CEO.
In fact, Johnston and the KTA staff have been aggressively working on reducing its operating budget for more than three years, long before the current economic turmoil. Full-time staff positions have been reduced by 10 percent, or 39 positions, since the start of 2006.
K-TAG rates to stay the same
The last toll increase of approximately 5 percent took effect in July 2007. A key difference with this increase is that tolls will not rise for users of K-TAG, the Turnpike's electronic toll collection system. That reflects the lower cost of serving electronic customers, whose K-TAG allows them to quickly enter and exit the Turnpike without a tollbooth stop. Turnpike users can benefit from K-TAG efficiencies -- but only if they sign up.
"People can make the choice to be an electronic customer and not have a fare increase," Johnston said.
"Greater use of K-TAG is just one of many steps in our effort to find more operating efficiencies during this challenging economic period," Johnston said.
K-TAG kits soon available in stores
To make it simpler to begin using K-TAG, Starter Kits will be sold in Walgreens drugstores along the Turnpike, Dillons stores throughout Kansas and AAA offices in Wichita, Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence and Kansas City. Buyers can purchase the kits for $15 (which includes $10 in toll credits), stick the enclosed tag to their windshield and start using it immediately. The buyer has 48 hours to register the K-TAG after they first use it on the Turnpike.
"Partnering with Walgreens, Dillons and AAA to offer K-TAGs for sale at retail locations -- many of which are open and available 24 hours a day -- offers the biggest convenience to our customers since the electronic toll collection program began in 1995," Johnston said.
Beginning September 1, travelers can purchase a K-TAG at more than 100 retail locations in Kansas. With a MyK-TAG account, users register a payment card and the account is billed monthly for use. With another type of account, K-TAG Classic, users establish a prepaid balance and receive an additional 10 percent discount on tolls for keeping a positive balance in their account.
K-TAGs are also available online at www.myktag.com.
Raising tolls is never easy or pleasant, Johnston said, but it is necessary to maintain safe operations and avoid escalating deferred maintenance costs.
"The Turnpike has fairly large fixed costs," he said. "For example, plowing snow is not an optional activity. Our customers expect us to be open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day."
Key dates:
September 1: Travelers can purchase K-TAGs in more than 100 retail stores throughout Kansas.
October 1: Cash tolls increase approximately 15% for passenger vehicles and approximately 5% for commercial trucks.

 

The Kansas Turnpike Authority will dedicate the newly completed EZ GO fuel retail facility at the Lawrence Service Area (milepost 209 on the Kansas Turnpike/I-70) with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23.
The new, energy-efficient building will boast many of the modern features that travelers expect to find at a travel center today, said EZ GO President Carey Johnson. The new facility cost approximately $3.6 million. The building is approximately three times the size of the old building and includes four spacious restrooms and a separate family restroom.
The facility includes 24 fueling positions for passenger vehicles, including some with E-85 or auto diesel. Separately, six ultra-high-flow diesel fuel lanes for trucks are accessible from both northbound and southbound traffic, assisting truck drivers in fueling efficiency.
"It is important to be able to offer our customers not only the services they have come to expect but also the additional items that can make travel easier and more enjoyable," said KTA President/CEO Michael L. Johnston. "We are pleased to have joined Carey and his EZ GO operations in making this impressive improvement."
EZ GO began operating the convenience store at the service area in 1997. In 2008, EZ GO and KTA began working on plans to rebuild the store. The former building was removed in January 2009 to make room for the new facility. EZ GO reopened on schedule just prior to the July 4th holiday weekend. The McDonald's restaurant located at the Lawrence Service Area remained open for normal business during the construction of the new EZ GO facility. "We'd also like to thank and recognize our McDonald's partners Tom & Marilyn Dobski for their support during construction," Johnston said. Among those helping congratulate EZ GO on the completion of the new building will be KTA board members and staff.

 

County Road 1 / 222nd Street in Leavenworth County will be closed on Monday, July 13, south of K-32 highway for approximately one month to facilitate reconstruction of the intersection. Detour signs will be posted. This intersection is located south of where the Turnpike is building its first interchange in Leavenworth County for access to the Turnpike/I-70. County Road 1 / 222nd Street is currently closed between Tonganoxie and K-32 highway.

 

As the summer travel season kicks off, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and Kansas Highway Patrol will be focusing on holiday travelers.
The KTA and KHP will be hosting a Safety Break from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Belle Plaine Service Area at Milepost 26 on the Turnpike/I-35 south of Wichita on Friday, May 22.
The KTA and KHP have partnered for several years to provide annual safety belt demonstrations on the Friday prior to the Memorial Day weekend. The demonstration helps travelers understand what can happen to vehicle occupants during rollover crashes. This year, the groups will also focus on young drivers and their parents.
"Everyone can benefit from seeing the demonstrations we'll have but they really make an impression on young drivers," said KHP Troop G Commander Capt. John Walters.
Another effort focused on helping teen drivers and their parents was the research and subsequent production of a video, "Risky Business." In early April, AAA Kansas released the video based on interviews conducted by a team of faculty and students at Wichita State University. The Kansas Turnpike Authority was a partner in the research behind the video.
The Safety Break will include the KHP Rollover Demonstration which simulates what happens in a rollover accident to occupants who are and aren't wearing safety belts and the DUI goggles that help participants understand just how impaired they are at different blood alcohol levels. Also available at the Safety Break will be information on driving safely, child safety seat installation, and small take-away items to remind visitors to live and drive safely.
The Belle Plaine Service Area at Milepost 26 features a McDonald's restaurant, travel information center and a new, expanded EZ Go c-store and fuel retailer.

 

Testimony of Michael Johnston, President/CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority to the House Committee on Transportation regarding House Bill (HB) 2178
Representative Gary Hayzlett, Chairman
Representative Jene Vickrey, Vice Chairman
Representative Margaret Long, Ranking Minority Member
Thank you Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. I appear before you today in my capacity as the President/CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority to offer comments on the bill. The authority itself has not discussed the bill and I am not, therefore, expressing any opinion on its behalf. I am here today not because of any personal anxiety, but rather because I believe I have a unique perspective to share. I am the only person who has led both the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA).
To begin with, let me share with you some pertinent history about the turnpike. In the early 1950's, there were a number of people who wanted to build a "superhighway" to link the urban center's of our state. Construction of the federal interstate system had not begun and no such highway network existed. In addition, with the heavily rural flavor of the legislature, it was not politically possible to raise the necessary money from taxes or the then current user fees to build this "urban road". As a result, a privately funded toll road was the only way a roadway of this nature could be built. With the toll road model the only alternative, and with no state or federal tax support then or since, the 1953 legislature passed the enabling act which created the Kansas Turnpike Authority and gave it the assignment to build and operate what we now refer to as the Kansas Turnpike.
With few amendments through the years, the original law still provides the legal framework for the operation of the roadway today. In addition, an important objective of the legislature in 1953 was to make clear to the buyers of the original and any subsequent revenue bonds sold by the turnpike that they could not look to the state or any political subdivision of the state for support in the event the turnpike was not financially successful. The law is expressly clear on that point. In short, and for good reason, the legislature intended for the turnpike to be operated on a different model than KDOT and I believe history supports that decision. One of the reasons, perhaps the single most important reason the turnpike has successfully operated for over 50 years, is that neither political party has politicized its operation. Politically managed toll roads in other parts of the country chronically under invest because they often artificially keep toll rates low, and also have rapid turnover in management. For example, from time to time, we have requests for new access to the roadway from communities or other interested parties. While we would love to add additional access, if the investment necessary to build and operate the new plazas necessary for that access cannot be recovered over some reasonable period of time, we don't make the investment. In other words, these investment decisions are made for business rather than political reasons.
As I understand it, the bill's sponsor, Representative Feuerborn, has been reported as saying this bill will make it possible to use turnpike revenue to help with financial challenges you face. Without engaging in a complex discussion, the only way the state can generate substantial income from the turnpike is through sharply higher tolls. The turnpike does not now have, nor has it ever had, unencumbered reserves it could transfer to the state, even if legal obstacles concerning our outstanding debt could be overcome. In addition, since any transfer of the KTA to KDOT would almost surely require the defeasance of the $225 million in current turnpike debt, to do so would be very expensive for KDOT. I have attached to my testimony a letter from Columbia Capital Management, the turnpike's financial advisor, which explains why it would cost approximately $25 million to do such a defeasance in today's market. Moreover, the turnpike faces its own financial challenges in the future such as needing approximately $100 million over the next ten years just for bridge replacement and maintenance. In fact, we have been aggressively working on reducing our operating budget, not for the last three months, but for at least the last three years, long before the current economic turmoil. We have reduced full time positions since 2006 by more than 30 or over 8% -- and we are not finished. We have done so largely through attrition and other targeted operating changes. On top of that, we are certainly not immune from the current economic contraction. For example, our commercial book of business declined over 10% last month when compared to January 2008.
I am not here today to tell you that merging KTA into KDOT can't be done. On some basis, it surely can, but just as certain with such a merger there will be consequences and costs. I am here today to tell you that I believe such a merger is unnecessary, but more importantly, unwise. Indeed, since there was widespread agreement that the KTA was a success story, in 1998, the legislature modeled the Kansas University Hospital Authority after the KTA enabling act because it was widely accepted that the KTA statutory framework worked in balancing its public and private institutional and business needs. HB 2178 does not solve any problem and I believe its enactment would lead ultimately to higher costs and lower service for turnpike customers. I don't say that because I believe that we at the KTA are smarter or more capable than our KDOT friends. We are not! In fact, I have very high regard for KDOT institutionally and many of their employees. In addition, I also have both personal affection and professional respect for Secretary Miller. But as certain as I sit before you today, I believe the KDOT culture and history is not well suited to operate a tolling business model that would approach the performance that the KTA provides today to its customers and to the economy of Kansas.
Thank you and I would be pleased to stand for questions.

 

SAVE MONEY...AND LOSE WEIGHT Sterling Publishing and Travelers Marketing Coordinate a Multi-City Free Toll Promotion to Spread the Word about Paul McKenna's I CAN MAKE YOU THIN
Free Tolls during peak periods on January 5, 2009 in Miami (FL), Chicago (IL), Philadelphia (PA), Montgomery/Selma (AL), and Topeka (KS)
Traffic will flow more smoothly and commuters will be much happier January 5th when Sterling Publishing pays for tolls in five major markets, and encourages drivers to read Paul McKenna's I CAN MAKE YOU THIN and drop those unwanted pounds they put on over the holiday break. The free tolls take place in the following markets:
- Miami, Florida- 7:00 am to 9:00 am, Eastern Standard Time
o Miami, FL- Miami Dade Expressway: SR 836/Dolphin Expressway Eastbound (The Wing) heading into Downtown Miami (Located between NW 17 Ave and NW 27 Ave), Miami-Dade County
- Chicago, Illinois- 7:00 am to 9:00 am, Central Standard Time
o Chicago, IL- Indiana Toll Road: WestPoint Interchange at Milepost 1, Lake County, Indiana
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- 7:00 am to 9:00 am, Eastern Standard Time
o Philadelphia, PA- Pennsylvania Turnpike: Valley Forge Interchange # 326, Montgomery County
- Montgomery, Alabama- 6:30 am to 10:30 am, Central Standard Time
o Wetumpka, AL- Emerald Mountain Expressway: Toll Plaza, Elmore County
o Millbrook, AL- Montgomery Expressway: Toll plaza, Elmore County
- Topeka, Kansas- 7:00 am to 9:00 am, Central Standard Time
o Topeka, KS- Kansas Turnpike: 183 Topeka: I-70 Exit Interchange, Shawnee County
"There are two things people regret after the holidays- spending too much money and over-eating," said Leigh Ann Ambrosi, Vice-President of Marketing & Publicity for Sterling. "Sterling wanted to help people across the country with both these things. By offering a free ride in such a tough economic time, motorists get a break in their wallet. By reading our ground-breaking weight-loss book, I CAN MAKE YOU THIN, they can shed all those unwanted pounds as well. What a great way to start a new year!"
Paul McKenna's, I CAN MAKE YOU THIN: The Revolutionary System Used by More Than 3 Million People, is a proven weight-loss system with an over 70% success rate. Through the use of psychological techniques, McKenna re-programs the way people think and act around food, so that in the future they find it easy to eat less and leave food on their plate, without feeling like they are missing out. The book & hypnosis CD set is available now in bookstores everywhere (Sterling Publishing, January 2009), and at www.mckenna.com.
Travelers Marketing is the industry leader in transportation marketing, creating opportunities to deliver a message to millions of motorists who travel the nation's roadways everyday. Travelers Marketing coordinates campaigns like Sterling Publishing's I CAN MAKE YOU THIN Free Toll promotion, sponsorship of motorist assistance patrols like the State Farm Safety Patrol in Pennsylvania, Florida and Colorado, as well as Toll Plaza Signage and Oases Advertising programs on the Illinois Tollway.
"The high cost of travel is on everyone's mind this winter, so we were thrilled to work with Sterling Publishing and with the participating Toll Authorities to develop a promotion that offers some relief to motorists and allows them to keep some money in their pockets during the first week of the New Year," said Brian Lee, President, Travelers Marketing, "Helping move traffic through the busy toll plazas, plus offering a free toll is a great service to motorists and roadways alike."
###
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
-Rita Gallagher, Travelers Marketing, (781) 237-7020, rgallagher@travelersmarketing.com
-Leigh Ann Ambrosi, Sterling Publishing, (646) 688-2503, lambrosi@sterlingpublishing.com

 

WICHITA - Westbound access to and from Plaza 202 (West Lawrence) will reopen Monday, November 24 in the afternoon to evening, weather permitting. This portion of the project will open more than three weeks ahead of schedule. The access closed on June 16 to allow the reconstruction of westbound entry and exit ramps as well as the bridge connecting the ramps with the toll plaza. This project is part of the Kansas River Bridges Replacement and Plaza Improvement Project which is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2011. Find additional project information at www.SpanningTheFuture.com.

 

WICHITA - The Iowa Street bridge over the Kansas Turnpike in Lawrence will be open for morning traffic on Friday, May 23, weather permitting. This bridge closed in early December to be reconstructed as part of the Kansas River Bridges Replacement and Plaza Improvement project. The Iowa Street bridge and the North Michigan Street bridge have both been reconstructed and pave the way for the start of the larger construction project. Further details will be announced soon via the news media as well as through the project's update e-mail notification. Sign up for updates at the project's web site at www.SpanningTheFuture.com.

 

WICHITA - May 22, 2008 - For Immediate Release
See Annie get in the car.
See Annie fasten her seatbelt.
See Annie's chances of surviving a rollover accident drastically improve.
Come see Annie for yourself... Friday, May 23, 2008, at the Towanda Service Area, Milepost 65 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Kansas Turnpike Authority and Troop G, the Turnpike Division of the Kansas Highway Patrol, will be hosting a SAFETY BREAK with a safety belt rollover simulator demonstration and a variety of safety-related information. This event is aimed at educating Turnpike travelers to the importance of wearing a seatbelt and making responsible driving decisions - not only during the extended Memorial Day weekend, but for life.
The rollover demonstrations use life-like crash dummies, such as Annie, to graphically depict what can occur to vehicle occupants in rollover collisions. KHP Troopers will be on-hand to show what happens to Annie when she is buckled up and what happens to her when she is not.