The Kansas Department of Transportation, State and Local Officials and highway advocates attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the previously delayed U.S. 169 project in Anderson County,Friday morning at Welda.
Kansas Transportation Secretary, Julie Lorenz, spoke and says the project is a true connecting point between delivering promises of the past and moving forward. The project was identified as a number one priority for the entire region. Reconstructed pavement and improved shoulders are part of the project. Lorenz says what this project means for Kansans is a safer trip to school, commute to work, or transport of goods to market.
Beginning in March, KDOT will reconstruct and rehabilitate 7 1/2 miles of U.S. 169 from Welda north to the roundabout south of Garnett. Bettis Asphalt & Construction is the primary contractor on the $21 million T-works project, which will add 10 foot shoulders to the roadway and provide a 32 foot clear zone off the highway. The project will also improve the vertical alignment of U.S. 169 to provide more opportunities to safely pass slow moving vehicles.
The project will be one of two major projects in Anderson County this year. The second project is a major pipeline replacement by West Star. Over 30 miles of gas line will be replaced between Welda and Ottawa.
