February 25, 2022
For immediate release
Main Street rebuild project begins Monday, February 28, 2022
A significant streetscape improvement project nearly two years in the planning will get underway Monday, February 28, 2022 on Main Street. The project will include a complete reconstruction of the street, sidewalks and underground storm water runoff systems from east of the intersection of 8th Street and Main west to the east side of the 10th Street and Main intersection. This two-block section of Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the project, which is estimated to take approximately four months, depending on weather conditions.
City Engineer John Garris said construction crews will begin working in the area Monday to place signage and implement the traffic control plan for the project. Garris said the traffic plan will re-route local motorists around the work area utilizing Maple and Myrtle streets, and eastbound and westbound U.S. Highway 160 traffic will detour on 10th Street north to Chestnut and 6th Street north to Chestnut, respectively.
While the street closure will eliminate vehicle parking in front of several businesses in the work zone, Garris said, pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the project except for short periods of time during the removal and replacement of sidewalks. Additionally, the City is working with property owners in the affected area to establish extra directional signage and designated side-street parking options for customers, Garris said.
“As with any street improvement project, we understand this work will present some challenges and inconveniences for motorists and property owners,” Garris said. “We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to provide safer, improved infrastructure we can enjoy for decades to come.”
The $1.7 million project was made possible with the help of a $1 million grant awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation, with matching monies provided through the City’s infrastructure improvement budget, Garris explained. It’s one of several major street projects planned within the community this year, including a complete rebuild of Maple Street from 17th Street west to the Whiskey Creek Bridge, which is currently underway, and improvements at the intersection of Hackney Avenue and Laurel Street, which are expected to get underway in the next few weeks.
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