KDOT US54 Kingman County

Project OverviewDescripción del proyecto

Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) successfully completed a transformative $36 million infrastructure project for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), rebuilding a critical seven-mile section of U.S. 54/400 in Kingman County. The finished corridor now provides safer, more efficient travel for commuters and commercial vehicles, strengthening one of the region’s key transportation routes for decades to come.

The reconstruction spanned from K-14 to the Sedgwick County line and included full pavement removal, soil stabilization, and installation of new concrete and asphalt surfaces — all while maintaining the existing alignment. ESS also replaced two bridge decks and installed updated pavement markings and signage to bring the highway up to modern safety and performance standards.

The project’s rural location added layers of complexity, particularly in managing water resources during a severe drought. To support grading, Cement-Treated Base (CTB), and paving operations, ESS drilled multiple wells and developed a detailed coordination plan to manage water supply without exceeding well capacities. Material logistics were another challenge, with concrete and aggregate sourced from distant locations. ESS crews maintained strict scheduling and coordination to keep production moving and meet aggressive milestones.

Sustainability was a central focus throughout construction. ESS recycled the existing pavement, crushing and reusing the material on-site for the new CTB mix — minimizing waste, reducing hauling needs, and preserving natural resources.

Safety remained paramount from start to finish. With traffic maintained head-to-head alongside active construction, ESS increased on-site safety personnel and closely managed work-zone operations to protect both crews and the traveling public.

The project, which began in spring 2024 and reached full completion in November 2025, showcases ESS’s ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure improvements that balance innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The reconstructed U.S. 54/400 stands as a testament to ESS’s commitment to building safer, stronger, and more sustainable highways across Kansas.