This audio is automatically generated. Please let us know if you have any comments.
A joint venture between two Wichita, Kansas-based general contractors recently won the largest construction contract in Kansas DOT history.
The Kansas DOT granted a $287.97 million contract for the reconstruction of US 54 and K-96 in Sedgwick and Butler counties, according to a state news release. The award is the largest project that Kansas DOT has earmarked for construction in terms of dollar amount, according to the release.
“This project represents a continued investment in the Kellogg Corridor,” Nick Squires, Kansas DOT District Five engineer, said in the release. “Widening US 54 to six lanes and adding modern interchanges will improve traffic flow and support long-term mobility in the region.”
Kansas DOT awarded the contract to Dondlinger Wildcat EKC1, a joint venture between general contractors Dodlinger & Sons Construction and Wildcat Construction of Wichita, Kansas. The contractor pair have teamed up in the past on other projects, including the improvement project in the elimination of biological nutrients at the Wichita Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to a Dodlinger LinkedIn post.
The award covers the reconstruction and widening of about two miles of US 54 to a six-lane corridor. The Dodlinger Wildcat EKC1 JV will rebuild approximately one mile of K-96 north of US 54, according to the release.
The scope of the project also includes a total of 26 bridge replacements, including the US 54 interchanges at K-96, 143rd and 159th streets. Plans also call for 32 new retaining walls and several two-lane frontage roads to help support access to local businesses, according to the Kansas DOT.
The project is part of Kansas DOT’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, a $10 billion, 10-year program to upgrade Kansas’ transportation system. The Dodlinger Wildcat EKC1 JV is expected to begin construction in the spring of 2026.
