AASHTO Journal – Kansas Investing Over $40M in Local Bridge Projects

June 12, 2026

The Kansas Department of Transportation is providing $40.5 million in state and federal funding to 31 local bridge projects statewide as part of two local bridge improvement programs the agency manages.

[Above photo by Kansas DOT]

Combined with matching funds from the cities and counties supporting those bridge projects, the infrastructure investment total is nearly $44.5 million, Kansas DOT said. 

The agency is awarding about $20 million through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) in state fiscal year 2027 funding to 15 bridge replacement projects, while also permanently removing four deficient bridges from local systems.

The KLBIP, established in 2015, provides funds to local public authorities for the replacement or rehabilitation of deficient city and county-owned bridges. The program also allows cities and counties to be awarded additional funds for the removal of deficient bridges. 

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (at left) with Kansas DOT’s Calvin Reed. Photo by Kansas DOT.

Additionally, Kansas DOT awarded $20.5 million through its Off-System Bridge program in federal FY 2028 funding to 16 projects across the state; a combination of federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds, Bridge Program Funds, and state funds. 

“Kansas’ local bridges are critical to connecting communities and supporting the state’s economy,” noted Governor Laura Kelly (D) in a statement. “Improving bridges across our state creates safer, more reliable transportation networks for everyone who relies on them each and every day.” 

“Programs that provide funding opportunities for local bridge projects are key to helping communities address infrastructure needs that might otherwise go unmet,” added Calvin Reed, Kansas DOT secretary. “By working together, Kansas DOT and local communities are providing reliable infrastructure that Kansans can depend on for years to come.” 

Concurrently, Kansas DOT also issued $5.9 million in awards to nine transportation construction projects its Cost Share Program for spring 2026.

The agency said that state investment will leverage more than $3.7 million in community matching funds, the agency said, totaling more than $9.6 million for infrastructure improvements that will enhance safety, support local economies, and improve connectivity statewide.

Additionally, the agency is also overseeing the distribution of $13.7 million in federal and state funding for airport and energy grid resilience improvement projects in 18 communities across Kansas

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