Q What’s going on with the Graphic Arts bridge? Wasn’t it supposed to be completed by now? When will it open? It doesn’t look like both sides of the bridge can connect and it seems like there’s never anyone working there.
A Work on the bridge will continue after another segment of the overall project is done.
“The biggest thing, to get work started on it, we have to get traffic switched,” said Tony Menke, construction manager for the Kansas Department of Transportation. “... Then we will get in there and get that tore out and start working on it.”
Traffic currently flows through the area where the center pier must be removed and replaced.
“We can’t build that center pier until we move traffic,” Menke said.
He said that both sides of the Graphic Arts replacement bridge will connect.
“When you drive underneath it, it does look a little funny, like it won’t line up,” he said. “But when you’re up above, it’s all right.”
The bridge should be completed this summer.
“Hopefully, we’ll have it open by the start of school. That’s going to be close,” he said, adding that opening could be delayed a couple of weeks.
Readers with questions on topics of local interest may send them to The Gazette, Drawer C, Emporia KS 66801. Questions need to be signed, but names will not be used.
blulitespecial (anonymous) says...
Traffic through the area is unsafe for vehicles and the workers.Too high of speeds,and lack of merging courtesy/skills? are going to cause accidents there.I could point out certain areas or directions,but it's ALL a tragedy waiting to happen.Having some exp. with construction traffic(a little traffic signal installation in the past) control,I know It's not easy to implement.I also know the State won't make it a little safer until a schoolbus gets hit by a fuel tanker.I won't make distinctions between private vehicles and semi's here- I've seen stupidity by both in this stretch of insanity.
June 4, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )