McPHERSON COUNTY — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is launching a new study on a 36-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 56 in McPherson and Marion counties to explore options for improving safety and traffic flow.

The study will focus on the potential addition of paved shoulders and identifying key locations for new passing lanes. KDOT will also examine ways to enhance overall corridor safety, including access point consolidation and intersection upgrades.

According to KDOT, the passing lanes component was ranked as a top priority for District 2 during the 2023 Local Consult process—a series of regional meetings that help shape future transportation projects across the state.

The U.S. 56 corridor serves as a vital east-west route through central Kansas, supporting local communities, agriculture, and industry. KDOT officials say the study is an important step in developing project designs that meet long-term needs for safety and capacity.

Findings from the study will guide future construction and funding decisions, though no specific timeline has been announced for implementation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753125534480.jpeg" alt="Map courtesy of KDOT&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy of KDOT&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>MARC JACOBS Hutch Post&nbsp;McPHERSON COUNTY — The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is launching a new study on a 36-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 56 in McPherson and Marion counties to explore options for improving safety and traffic flow.The study will focus on the potential addition of paved shoulders and identifying key locations for new passing lanes. KDOT will also examine ways to enhance overall corridor safety, including access point consolidation and intersection upgrades.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753125478754.jpeg" alt="KDOT study for McPherson and Marion counties " />
 <figcaption>KDOT study for McPherson and Marion counties </figcaption>
 </figure>According to KDOT, the passing lanes component was ranked as a top priority for District 2 during the 2023 Local Consult process—a series of regional meetings that help shape future transportation projects across the state.The U.S. 56 corridor serves as a vital east-west route through central Kansas, supporting local communities, agriculture, and industry. KDOT officials say the study is an important step in developing project designs that meet long-term needs for safety and capacity.Findings from the study will guide future construction and funding decisions, though no specific timeline has been announced for implementation.

KDOT to study U.S. 56 corridor in McPherson, Marion counties