Traveling from Ottawa to Lawrence will soon be an easier commute. Representatives from the Kansas Department of Transportation, as well as Douglas County officials met for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday morning at the U.S. 59/56 interchange. The highway is expected to be open for use in the beginning of October.

The ribbon cutting marks the opening of a safer alternative for motorists commuting from Ottawa to Lawrence, and anywhere in between, Mike King, Kansas transportation secretary, said. The completion of this five-year, 11-mile stretch of highway will add safety and security for travelers.

“It’s going to do exactly what transportation dollars should do: help improve the safety and help improve the economic development of not only one community but of several communities,” King said.

More on the ribbon-cutting ceremony and photos from the event can be found in Wednesday’s Herald.