WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- Wichita drivers will soon benefit from all the roadwork at the North Junction. The new ramp to take drivers from Interstate 235 to eastbound Kansas Highway 96 is expected to open the week of Dec. 16, weather permitting. Drivers on northbound I-235 will no longer have to exit onto Interstate 135 to get to eastbound K-96. The Kansas Department of Transportation says the new 1.5-mile ramp is two lanes and will take drivers to eastbound K-96, 29th Street and Hydraulic Avenue. Map of new I-235 ramp to eastbound K-96. (Courtesy KDOT) KDOT says the ramp will help improve safety and reduce traffic congestion, especially during morning rush hour. One dead after farming incident near Derby The ramp does not connect to southbound I-135. I-235 drivers who want to head south on I-135 must drive by the new ramp to Exit 16B. Drivers on I-235 who want to head north on I-135 must take Exit 16C. Work will continue on other phases of the North Junction project: A loop ramp will be replaced from westbound K-96 to southbound I-135 with a two-lane flyover direct connection along with widening southbound I-135 south of K-96. A new two-lane ramp from westbound K-96 to northbound I-135 will also be provided. The completion date is expected to be in mid-2026.