A new commercial driver license (CDL) driving range is set to open in the northeastern region of Kansas, following a groundbreaking ceremony attended by state officials and representatives from Johnson County Community College (JCCC). The $6.9 million project, scheduled for completion this year, aims to enhance CDL training capabilities in the area.
Edgerton Mayor Donald Roberts, alongside leaders from JCCC, participated in the ceremony at the site of the new training facility. Upon its opening later this summer, the facility will feature five test pads made of various materials, along with a dedicated classroom building equipped with testing and simulation rooms.
Situated on a 10-acre plot, the facility will include a 2,810-square-foot instructional building, a parking lot, and five instruction and testing pads. This new infrastructure will provide JCCC’s CDL program with a permanent location for instruction and staff support, potentially allowing the college to double the number of students served.
Last year, JCCC’s Workforce Development & Continuing Education program trained 636 students in CDL skills. The completion of this range is expected to further expand the program’s capacity to meet demand.
The location of the driving range, on 191st Street in Edgerton, is strategically positioned near the BNSF Railway Co. intermodal facility at Logistics Park Kansas City. Edgerton’s proximity to Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 56 also adds to its accessibility as a freight hub within the Kansas City region.
Funding for the project came from various sources, including a $2.53 million state grant for community and technical colleges, a $2 million private grant, a legislative allocation of $1.88 million for developing training programs, and $538,500 from JCCC CDL program funds.
JCCC’s CDL training currently covers Class A and B licenses, as well as hazardous materials endorsement and freight broker/agent training courses.
The opening of the CDL driving range marks a significant investment in transportation infrastructure and workforce development in Kansas. By providing state-of-the-art facilities for CDL training, the initiative aims to meet the growing demand for skilled truck drivers in the region.
With the trucking industry already accounting for nearly 70,000 jobs in Kansas, the new facility is poised to contribute to the continued growth of this vital sector. Its location near major transportation arteries and logistical hubs further underscores its strategic importance in supporting the flow of goods and commerce.
Officials hope that the expanded CDL training capacity will not only benefit students seeking career opportunities in the trucking industry but also meet the evolving needs of Kansas businesses for qualified drivers.
As construction progresses and the opening of the driving range draws nearer, stakeholders remain optimistic about the positive impact it will have on both the local economy and the broader transportation landscape in Kansas.
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