The first phase of the long-awaited Kansas Expressway extension south of Republic Road opens today.
A 6 p.m. opening this evening is planned, according to a Greene County news release. A ceremony is not planned.
The debut today represents the portion of Phase I from Republic Road south to Weaver Road, aka Farm Road 178. The remaining portion of Phase I, from Weaver Road to Plainview Road, aka Farm Road 182, is scheduled to open Feb. 9. Projects officials need continued use of the more southern part of the roadway for the next week.
Phase II, which already has begun, would expand Kansas from Plainview Road to Farm Road 190, with an expected completion in fall 2025.
"Once completed, the entire extension will provide motorists with an alternative connection in southern Greene County and provide traffic congestion relief along parallel routes at Cox Road and Campbell Avenue," officials said in the release.
The Missouri Department of Transportation in December 2021 awarded the $15.7 million project to Emery Sapp & Sons. Federal transportation funds are covering 80% of expenses, with 20% paid by Greene County.