KDOT lets project to reconstruct pavement on U.S. 169 in southeast Kansas

KDOT will begin a pavement reconstruction on U.S. 169 in Allen County this spring. The 7.2-mile project begins five miles north of the Neosho-Allen county line and ends 2.7 miles south of U.S. 54 at Iola.

A project to reconstruct the pavement on a section of U.S. 169 in Allen County was included in KDOT’s February letting. Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., of Kansas City, Mo., was the apparent low bidder on the $17 million improvement.

The U.S. 169 concrete driving surface has deteriorated since it was constructed close to 40 years ago.

The scope of the work involves replacing the mainline concrete driving pavement and the pavement on interchange ramps. The project begins at Delaware Road, located approximately five miles north of the Neosho-Allen county line, and continues north for just over seven miles to Minnesota Road. Work is expected to begin in late spring and continue into 2019. During construction traffic will be placed on a signed detour along U.S. 54, U.S. 75 and K-39.

Numerous cracks in the U.S. 169 pavement have required considerable maintenance through the years.

This stretch of U.S. 169 in Allen County was built with concrete in the early 1980’s. Heavy traffic use and varied weather conditions have resulted in numerous driving surface imperfections. In previous years these flaws were smoothed out by a process known as diamond grinding, which helped preserve the pavement while limiting disruptions to traffic. A full pavement replacement is now necessary. The reconstruction will take place within the existing highway right-of-way.

This photo shows diamond grinding on U.S. 169 in Neosho County, performed during 2017. Several times in previous years diamond grinding has been used on the Allen County highway pavement to smooth out imperfections.

“Because I know someone who is still with KDOT who provided inspection on this project when it was initially constructed, it doesn’t seem like it but, that pavement is approaching 40 years old,” said Jim Metcalfe, KDOT Southeast District Construction Engineer. “Maintaining it to an acceptable standard has become increasingly difficult in recent years and it will be a relief to our maintenance personnel to have this pavement replaced.”

#IAMKDOT: Nathan Blankinship

This month's #IAMKDOT is Nathan Blankinship who has worked at KDOT for about three years and he is an Equipment Operator at the KDOT Sedan Subarea in southeast Kansas.

In this illustration, Nathan is shown leveling a sign post along K-99 in Chautauqua County. 

When he is not working for KDOT, Nathan farms east of Sedan, raising cattle and pigs, and is a custom hay baler. In addition to farming and custom baling, in his off-duty hours he volunteers with the Sedan Rural Fire Department. Nathan’s dog, a red heeler named Abby, even has her own Facebook page, ‘Abby the Chautauqua County Fire Dog.’

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@ks.gov today to get started!