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ESS Delivers Historic Joint Venture U.S. 69 Expansion Project in Kansas
At Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS), we know that hard work, dedication, and teamwork make all the difference. That was on full display as our employee-owners, working alongside Ames Construction as U.S. 69 Express Constructors, completed the first-ever express lanes in Kansas.
The express lanes, spanning 103rd Street to 151st Street in Overland Park, wasn’t just another job. Over three years, our teams logged nearly 1.2 million work hours, safely building a corridor that improves mobility, safety, and quality of life for commuters across Johnson County. And we did it on time, on budget, and without compromising traffic flow — a testament to the coordination and pride of every employee-owner involved.
“This project shows what we can accomplish when we bring our best to the table together,” said Josh Doerhoff, Executive Vice President, Operations. “From the field crews to planning, engineering, and support, everyone’s efforts made this historic milestone possible.”
The scope of work was immense with 26 new bridges, more than 1.4 million square yards of new pavement, 11 noise walls, and a major new interchange at 167th Street. These express lanes will reduce congestion, improve safety, and support regional growth, strengthening a corridor that facilitates $7 billion in annual economic activity.
“Our crews, subcontractors, and suppliers are the backbone of this project’s success. We’re deeply grateful for their dedication and teamwork in delivering 69Express,” said Nick Ames, Senior Vice President of Ames Construction. “Design-build, joint venture projects like this require trust and collaboration at every level, and we’re proud of what we accomplished together. Now, we’re ready for the next challenge.”
For our employee-owners, this project is about more than infrastructure, it’s about leaving a lasting mark on the community we serve. Every bridge, every lane, every detail reflects the skill, pride, and ownership mindset that defines ESS.
As the ribbon was cut and the first drivers experience the new express lanes, we celebrate a team achievement that will benefit Kansas for decades. It’s a reminder that at ESS, our work doesn’t just move traffic — it moves communities forward.
Project photography courtesy of Ames Construction.
