The transformation of Kansas Highway 68 in Miami County is well underway, as crews are working in multiple locations between Paola and Louisburg. In February, the Kansas Department of Transportation began work on two K-68 improvement projects between U. S. Highways 169 and 69. They are constructing turning lanes and access roads, widening K-68 to a four-lane expressway, from Spring Valley Road east to U. S. 69 at Louisburg, constructing left-turn lanes at K-68 and Somerset Road and building an access road to the Louisburg Cider Mill on the north side of the highway.
The expansion of K-68 has been discussed since 2008. Donna Schmit of the Kansas Department of Transportation says the ultimate goal is for K-68 to become a four-lane expressway between Paola and Louisburg. Schmit emphasized that funding for the complete plan has not been approved, but more projects within the State Program are expected to be announced in June. Schmit says if the rest of the K-68 Improvement Plan is selected, work on the four-lane expressway could be complete within the next four to five years.
