Last week, Governor Kelly visited Louisburg to officially announce the approval of funding for a full four-lane expansion of K-68 between Highway 169 and 69. Funny thing… she was late getting there. Why? Ironically, it turns out she was stuck in construction traffic on 68 between Paola and Louisburg.
While current construction on K-68 provides intersection improvements, access roads and some realignments, the seven mile expanded project will widen the road to a four lane expressway at an estimated cost of $48 million.
Miami County Commission Chair, Rob Roberts, spoke of the many fatalities over the years, including his wife 37 years ago. Fatal accidents have gone up dramatically the last 20 years on the heavily traveled two lane road. He says he and fellow officials are committed to working toward getting K-68 expanded to four lanes between Paola and Ottawa also.
Kelly told the audience that for far too long, driving K-68 has been a headache and she is looking forward to a smoother, safer, less congested highway.
