Work Zone Wednesday: U.S. 54 Expansion in Seward County

Work on the U.S. 54 expansion east of Liberal in Seward County has begun to wrap up. The project, which was started last April, will expand the 3 1/2 mile highway to four lanes and add a bridge over the Cimarron River.  

Work has begun to wrap up on the U.S. 54 expansion east of Liberal in Seward county. The project broke ground in April 2016, with Michel Corporation of Brownsville, Wis. as the primary contractor on this $14.6 million project that addresses the needs for a four-lane expressway on U.S. 54 and improves access to the Arkalon Energy Plant on this route. 

Crews remove old highway material from U.S. 54. Work is now in its
final phases.

This 3 ½ mile project includes building a four-lane expressway and a second bridge over the Cimarron river.  Most of the work has been completed off the original roadway limiting detours and delays for motorists and allowing for enhanced safety.  Greg Adams, KDOT Area Construction Engineer, attributes the enhanced safety and lack of accidents on this project to Michels Paving Project Manager, Charlie James, who has played a crucial role in keeping the project and site accident free.  “Consistent, active and visible safety leadership, positive recognition for safe work behaviors, and holding our people accountable is an important part of Michels' culture.  It has earned Michels Paving the reputation of being one of the safest contractors in the industry,” according to James.

The project is in its final phases, with crews working on signing, striping and completing tie-ins during the next several weeks.