KDOT traces its origins to the Kansas State Highway Commission, established by the Kansas Legislature in 1917. This creation was in response to the growing need for a coordinated approach to building and maintaining roads as the automobile industry began to boom. 

In the 1920s and 1930s, the commission undertook extensive road-building projects, creating a structured highway system that laid the foundation for future development. The post-World War II era brought further expansion and modernization, with federal funding through the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, helping Kansas build a network of interstate highways, including the vital I-70 and I-35 corridors. 

In 1975, the Kansas State Highway Commission was renamed the Kansas Department of Transportation, reflecting its broader responsibilities beyond just highways to include all forms of transportation infrastructure. Despite facing numerous funding challenges in the 2000s, KDOT continued to innovate and implement new technologies in transportation management.

Today, KDOT focuses on maintaining and improving existing infrastructure, addressing road safety, congestion, and integrating new transportation technologies. The department's history is a testament to its ongoing commitment to delivering transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.