Traffic Changes Coming to U.S. 83 North of Sublette

New lane project and access road updates to take effect the week of April 13

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of the rough, pebbled texture of a highway asphalt surface, conveying the physical materials and infrastructure that make up the road system.The upcoming lane and access changes on U.S. 83 north of Sublette will require drivers to navigate new traffic patterns and infrastructure.Sublette Today

The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced upcoming traffic changes along U.S. 83 north of Sublette as part of a $15.5 million passing lane project. Starting the week of April 13, traffic will be shifted to a new alignment, access roads will be closed and reopened, and a 35 mph speed limit will be in place for a section of the highway.

Why it matters

This project aims to improve safety and traffic flow along a busy stretch of U.S. 83, a major north-south highway in western Kansas. The changes will impact local drivers and those passing through the area, so advance notice is important for the traveling public.

The details

The project starts near the U.S. 56/83 junction and continues north for approximately 4 miles, ending 2 miles south of the U.S. 83/160 junction. Traffic will be shifted to the east onto a new alignment, while access from Road 180 west of the highway will be closed. Road 180 access to the east of the highway will reopen, and a newly built Access Road 180 will be open to local traffic. A 35 mph speed reduction will be in effect on a section of the project, and there will be an 11-foot width restriction.

  • The traffic changes will take effect the week of April 13, 2026.
  • The $15.5 million project is expected to be completed by the end of spring 2026, weather permitting.

The players

Kansas Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining Kansas' transportation infrastructure, including highways, roads, and bridges.

Venture Corporation

The construction contractor hired to work on the $15.5 million U.S. 83 passing lane project north of Sublette.

Joel (Simon) Valdez

The Area Construction Manager for the Kansas Department of Transportation who can be contacted for more information about the project.

Yazmin Moreno

The Southwest Public Information Officer for the Kansas Department of Transportation who can be contacted for more information about the project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Kansas Department of Transportation will continue to provide updates regarding impacts to the traveling public as construction progresses.

The takeaway

This project is an important infrastructure investment to improve safety and traffic flow along a critical highway in western Kansas. Drivers should be aware of the upcoming changes and plan their routes accordingly to minimize delays.