By Katherine O'Shea
City of Junction City Public Information Officer
The City of Junction City is proud to announce it has been awarded $23.99 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program, representing one of the largest federal infrastructure investments in Junction City's history.
The funding will support transformative transportation and infrastructure improvements along Grant Avenue, one of the community's most heavily traveled corridors connecting Junction City to Fort Riley. The project includes raising and reconstructing the roadway into a four-lane corridor with a center two-way left-turn lane to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, installing upgraded intersections and bus turnouts to enhance safety and operations, and constructing shared-use paths on both sides of the roadway to improve pedestrian and bicycle accessibility. Additional improvements include pedestrian crossing signals at key locations, stormwater drainage improvements and upgraded roadway lighting and signage. Together, these improvements will increase safety, mobility, and reliability for residents, visitors, local businesses, and the thousands of military personnel, family members, and civilians who travel between Fort Riley and Junction City each day.
The BUILD Grant Program provides competitive federal funding for significant transportation infrastructure projects that improve safety, strengthen mobility, support economic competitiveness, and enhance quality of life in communities across the nation. Junction City's successful application reflects years of planning and collaboration to address critical transportation needs while supporting regional economic development and the community's longstanding partnership with Fort Riley.
This historic award is the result of months of planning, collaboration, and advocacy among federal, state, local, and military partners committed to strengthening the future of Junction City and Fort Riley. The City of Junction City extends its sincere appreciation to U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt, State Representative Nate Butler, State Representative Shawn Chauncey, Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed, Major General Monté Rone and the leadership of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, the Junction City Commission and City staff, the Geary County Commission, Kansas Department of Transportation staff, Kaw Valley Engineering, and the citizens of Junction City. Their leadership, advocacy, technical expertise, and continued support throughout the application process were instrumental in securing this transformational investment.
Beyond improving transportation, the project will strengthen regional connectivity, improve public safety, enhance access to Fort Riley, and create new opportunities for long-term economic growth and private investment throughout Junction City and Geary County. An economic analysis estimates the project enhancements will generate an approximate 152% return on investment over the next 30 years, creating lasting value by improving safety, reducing travel delays, improving system efficiency, and lowering long-term transportation costs for both travelers and taxpayers. The improvements will also support future redevelopment along the Grant Avenue corridor while ensuring the roadway continues to meet the transportation needs of residents, businesses, visitors, and military personnel for decades to come.
With funding now secured, the project will continue advancing through the remaining phases of development. Preliminary design, which began in January 2025, is expected to conclude in January 2027. Environmental review, permitting and approvals under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will continue through July 2027. The project is now included in both the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Plan (Metro TIP) and the Kansas Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (State TIP), ensuring the project is programmed for implementation and eligible to advance through the federally required project delivery process. Following finalization of the grant agreement, the City will complete the final design, obtain all necessary permits and approvals, and finalize right-of-way acquisition by July 2027. Construction, including utility relocation and inspection, is anticipated to begin in January 2028, with project completion expected in October 2030.
Throughout every phase of the project, the City will continue working closely with its federal, state, regional, and military partners while providing residents with regular updates on project milestones, anticipated construction impacts, and opportunities for public engagement. By combining strategic infrastructure investment with responsible project delivery, the City remains committed to maximizing the long-term value of this federal investment while strengthening transportation, supporting Fort Riley, and delivering measurable benefits to residents, businesses, travelers, and taxpayers for generations to come.
For more information and future project updates, visit Junction City's Community Development page on our website or follow the City's official social media channels.