Ice and snow have not put much of a crimp in the major road-and-bridge construction project on the city’s west side.
Kansas Department of Transportation officials had expected winter weather to interrupt the work from time to time. However, when weather permits, work continues.
“Usually, most projects we shut down in the winter,” said Nathan Anstey, engineering technician specialist for KDOT. “This one is somewhat unique because they allowed it to continue on through the winter.”
The $32.9 million project is intended to clear away the clutter of what KDOT officials call the “spaghetti bowl” at the convergence of U.S. Highway 50, Interstate 35, and the Kansas Turnpike.
The project includes eliminating the higher-speed interchanges by putting in two roundabouts for I-35, Highway 50 and turnpike intersection traffic.
“We are replacing five bridges, two of them for KTA, two for I-35, and the Graphic Arts Bridge,” Anstey said.
“It’s not tied to this project, but in conjunction, we will be re-doing the 12th Avenue and Graphic Arts Road intersection,” he said.
The intersection will be moved toward the north, near the middle of the parking lot at the old Didde building.
Work also is planned at the I-35, 18th Avenue and Industrial Road interchange. Anstey said that project bid should be let this summer.
In the meantime, work will continue at the west-side location when weather conditions improve.
“It’s kind of giving us a chance to get caught up on things (inside),” Anstey said. “At this stage in the game, I still think we’re somewhat ahead of schedule, but then again, that’s all subject to change.”
The project is scheduled to be complete in mid-November 2008.