Lyon County commissioners discussed keeping the South Avenue construction project on the county’s five-year plan, which is to be submitted in May.
The discussion of the project took place during Wednesday’s study session. The South Avenue Improvement Project, which runs from Prairie Street west to the entrance to the transfer station, includes replacing a bridge located about 1/4 mile west of Prairie Street. Lyon County Engineer Chip Woods said the construction cost estimate has gone up from $1.1 million to $1.6 million. This does not include replacement of the bridge or utility or right-of-way fees, which could get costly, Woods said. The county also is looking at facing another $500,000 for construction inspection.
Commissioners discussed taking the project off the five-year plan and just going with a bridge replacement, but in the end decided to leave the project on the plan. The project has been on the plan since 2003. Either way, commissioners agreed, the bridge will have to be replaced.
Other items on Wednesday’s agenda:
• Commissioners discussed two resolutions related to the Westar Energy peaking power plant that will be built about six miles northeast of Emporia. Construction has started. Commissioners discussed passing a resolution setting a speed limit for the area and also a resolution relating to parking. Commissioners do not want construction employees parking on Road 200 as they are now.
• Discussed purchasing approximately 1,000 feet of used 18 feet steel casing at $20 per foot and 1,300 of used 12 feet steel casing at $9 per foot for an estimated total of $31,700 from Frank Black Pipe & Steel Supply Co., the only supplier of thick-walled used casing.
• Discussed purchase of three Kenwood 50-watt mobile radios with antenna and accessories and installation at $742.31 each for a total of $2,226.93 from Ka-Comm. of Emporia.