The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has awarded the largest construction contract in its history, selecting a joint venture led by Dondlinger & Sons and Wildcat Construction for a $288 million highway reconstruction project in south-central Kansas.
The contract was awarded to the Dondlinger Wildcat EKC1 joint venture for the reconstruction of US 54 (East Kellogg Avenue) and K-96 across Sedgwick and Butler counties. According to KDOT, the project represents the most significant single construction award the agency has ever issued, underscoring the scale of planned improvements along one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026 and will involve extensive upgrades aimed at improving safety, traffic flow, and long-term durability. The scope of work includes the replacement of 26 bridges, notably the US 54 interchanges at K-96, 143rd Street, and 159th Street. Crews will also construct 32 new retaining walls and build several two-lane frontage roads designed to maintain access for nearby businesses during and after construction.
Transportation officials have emphasized that the improvements will modernize aging infrastructure while accommodating future traffic growth in the Wichita metropolitan area and surrounding communities. The corridor plays a critical role in regional freight movement and daily commuting, making the project a high priority for the state.
The reconstruction effort is part of KDOT’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), a long-term, 10-year, $10 billion initiative focused on preserving, modernizing, and expanding Kansas’ transportation network. Through the IKE program, KDOT aims to address deferred maintenance, improve safety, and invest in strategic projects that support economic development statewide.
Once complete, the US 54 and K-96 improvements are expected to enhance connectivity between communities, reduce congestion, and extend the service life of critical transportation assets for decades to come.
Originally reported by Neil GerrardSenior Editor, Construction Briefing.
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