In the early months of 2023, construction began South of 151st street and North of 103rd street in Overland Park, Kansas. U.S. Highway 69 is being expanded from four lanes to six lanes, enabling a seamless flow of traffic and easier travel between destinations. The construction of the express lanes is expected to be completed February 21st.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the express lane will be separated from the two other lanes by a double white line, while the median concrete wall will remain, still separating North and Southbound traffic.

Those who drive in the express lane must either use a K-Tag or pay by plate, around 30 cents to $1 more at the end of their journey every use, varying throughout the day.

Note that if you choose to take the express lane, it is prohibited to exit unless it’s a designated exit lane. This being released by 69Express raised some concerns for exiting near 151st as you are not able to weave out of the express lane fast enough, making it difficult to meet your exit.

In theory, using the express lanes would make the ride faster; however, if you are unable to exit, it becomes futile.

English teacher Carrie McClain is excited about the road updates, although she was not aware that this was taking place, since 69 Highway isn’t as heavily used by her as it is for others. She finds the highway convenient for her personal travels but tries to avoid it as much as possible.

Compared to chaotic traffic in other busier states, McClain believes this will help reduce traffic congestion.

Senior Leen Mahfouz is concerned for the construction taking place. Mahfouz is ecstatic about the expansion from two lanes to three and the flowy travel benefit. She typically sees built-up traffic around 3 to 4 p.m., which is not a common time, yet it’s still a necessity for her to use the highway, no matter the traffic.

Mahfouz was also unaware of the completion plan of 69 highway until recently; she believes it was poorly communicated to the younger generation and criticizes the toll system.

“I do hate the fact that tolls are put in place because roads are built for us to use and drive on, not pay for,” she said. “There’s a lot taken out of our taxes already to make us pay for road tolls.”