QuikTrip announces new travel center in Gardner

QuikTrip Corporation (QT) has announced plans to build a new QT Travel Center in Gardner, Ks. at the southwest corner of South Gardner Road and West 188th Street.

“With KDOT and the City of Gardner making the investment to improve the interchange at I-35 and Gardner Road, it opens up the south I-35 corridor for more growth. The location is truly ideal,” said Greg Martinette, president of Southwest Johnson County EDC.

This will be QT’s second location in Gardner, but the first travel center in the area.

“We have a stellar relationship with QuikTrip, and we are thrilled they have chosen to extend their services to the south end of Gardner. QuikTrip is at the heart of the city and an asset to our community,” Mayor Steve Shute said.

KDOT will provide $3.925 million in funding for Phase One to realign 191st St. west of Gardner Rd. and signalization of the intersection ramps. An additional $6 million will be granted for Phase Two for the replacement of the existing Gardner Road Bridge over I-35, with construction set to start in 2022.

KDOT is currently designing a diverging diamond interchange for the area, an emerging concept in roadway design that aims to eliminate left-hand turns into oncoming traffic in an effort to increase safety.

“The location is a perfect fit for the expansion of our Travel Center Network. We hope to have the store open by Spring or Summer 2021,” said Jeremy Crosby, real estate manager for QT.