Topeka may be one of the best examples of location’s impact on economic development.

With a major network of interstates, national and state highways, and rail and air, Topeka is a hotspot for distribution firms and other companies that rely heavily on transportation. Located almost precisely in the nation’s center and convenient to other facilities, such as Kansas City International Airport, Topeka could well be a “poster child” for communities that benefit from location and transportation advantages.

The story begins with I-70 and I-335, which tie the city to the country’s strategic Interstate network. Elements of these key connections are undergoing significant improvement with a $131.9 million project to add one lane in each direction on I-70 between Topeka and Lawrence. That work follows earlier construction in Topeka to improve U.S. 75 and Kansas 4, which helped connect Topeka with
northern Shawnee County at a cost of more than $100 million.

These and other projects result in a relatively large city that can be navigated in minutes. Along with the southern freeway loop I-470, central Topeka’s homes are only minutes from even the newest business facilities on the city’s outskirts. The average commute time in Topeka is less than 15 minutes, one of regions’ lowest.

Job creation is another indication. Trucking employs more than 5,500 area workers and provides service to agricultural, construction and manufacturing industries. With I-70 and the nearby I-35 “NAFTA” super highway, more development such as the 300-acre Target distribution center is expected.

Air travel is equally strong. The two largest airports are Forbes Field, which lies along U.S. 75 just south of I-470, and Phillip Billard Airport, a municipal facility north of I-70.

Topeka also lists three Foreign Trade “sub zones” encompassing 2,000 acres at Forbes Field, Phillip Billard Airport and the Topeka Air Industrial Park.

Topeka’s major commercial and retail areas include Downtown, a dynamic area located along I-70. On the west, Topeka’s largest retail corridor is along Wanamaker Road. Finally, smaller business areas are scattered among the strongly residential center of the city.

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graphic content without permission is prohibited. | Destination Topeka is a supplement to Ingram's Magazine