A new, two-lane flyover from northbound I-135 to southbound I-235 has opened. It replaces
a single-lane loop ramp at the Wichita North Junction that no longer provided efficient movement of traffic at the interchange.
Traffic at the North Junction – the confluence of I-135, I-235, K-96 and K-254 – approaches
100,000 vehicles per day, with 9,700 trucks using the interchange daily. The new ramp
offers relief from weekday congestion that resulted in unreliable travel times for commuters, the trucking industry and other drivers.
Construction of the ramp is included is a sub-phase of multiple projects aimed at improving
traffic flow at the North Junction. The two-lane flyover bridge is a 1,323-foot, seven pier, weathering steel superstructure on a curved alignment.
The construction cost for this sub-phase is $36.3 million. The southbound I-135 exit to
southbound I-235 was also rebuilt and improvements were made to the westbound K-254 exit to southbound I-135. Completion of this sub-phase is expected in late-2023. It began in April of 2021.
Partners contributing to this project include the Federal Highway Administration, City of
Wichita and Sedgwick County. The primary contractor is Dondlinger & Sons Construction Co. of Wichita.
Work continues south of this ramp as other improvements are made at the I-135/K-96
interchange plus a direct connection from northbound I-235 to eastbound K-96 will improve traffic flow in the area.
