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Council advances KTA interchange at 29th Street into capital plan after debate on timing and financing
Summary
After public testimony from business and community leaders, the council voted to move design of a Kansas Turnpike Authority interchange at 29th Street into the CIP, advancing design to 2026–27 and construction to 2028; the project's estimated cost is about $14.85 million with the KTA contributing 20%.
The Topeka City Council voted to advance design of a proposed Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) interchange east of 29th and California into the city's capital improvement plan.
Jason Tryon, director of public works, said the project is a simple diamond interchange that would provide north–south access at 29th Street and is expected to stimulate development in primary and secondary impact areas west and east of the interchange. Staff presented an economic impact excerpt that estimated appraised value in the primary/secondary areas at about $195.8 million.
Total project cost was presented at approximately $14.85 million; staff said the KTA would contribute 20% (about $3.6 million) and the city's share would be roughly 80% paid via geobonds. Staff indicated the near-term exposure is design costs — approximately $1.8 million total on an $18 million estimate used in staff discussion — and that design would be billed in 2026–27 with construction expected in 2028 if the timeline holds. Staff also described how temporary notes would be issued and later replaced with GEO bonds for long-term financing.
Several business and civic leaders (Bob Ross of the Chamber, State Senator Rick Cluse and longtime proponent Joseph Ledbetter) urged the council to seize the KTA funding window and move the project forward to accelerate development and capture lower costs. Council debate centered on budget timing and trade-offs across the CIP and operating budgets. Councilmember Valdivia Alcala said she would vote no on accelerating the project because of near-term budget uncertainties; others argued the opportunity might be lost if not pursued now.
The council first voted to adopt the CIP without the 29th Street project and then held a second vote to include the project; both motions passed in separate recorded votes. The final recorded vote to advance the project was carried by the council (majority in favor). Staff noted that the KTA would be responsible for construction and ongoing maintenance of the interchange.
