Honoring our armed forces: Union Pacific unveils patriotic locomotive

Union Pacific's locomotive 1943,  The Spirit, was unveiled at Fort Riley on Monday to honor each branch of the Armed Forces. 

The Kansas Department of Transportation recently partnered with Union Pacific Railroad and Fort Riley to honor the military.

Union Pacific has deviated from their standard bright yellow locomotive paint-scheme only a handful of times in their long history. Their most recent endeavor? The Spirit, or locomotive No. 1943, which was unveiled at Fort Riley. This locomotive was painted specifically to honor every branch of the Armed Forces.

“The first locomotive started rolling across Kansas in 1860, beginning now more than a century of partnership, reliability and prestige,” said Secretary of Transportation, Richard Carlson, who spoke at the unveiling ceremony. “This locomotive is a visual example of Union Pacific’s dedication to the military and to the people of Kansas.”

With 2,196 miles of track in Kansas, and a capital investment of over $75 million, as well as state and community support, Union Pacific remains an integral part of life in Kansas. Union Pacific operates a transcontinental corridor through the northeastern corner of the state and a north-south “couplet” of main lines from Kansas City to the Gulf Coast.

In addition to Secretary Carlson, Fort Riley’s Garrison Commander Colonel John Lawrence, Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs for Union Pacific Liisa Stark, as well as Union Pacific’s Director of Public Affairs for Kansas and Missouri Lindsey Douglas spoke at the ceremony.

Locomotive No. 1943 will travel across Union Pacific’s tracks throughout the United States, proudly displaying support for the service-members who serve our nation.

Dedication ceremony for road improvement in Lyons

A dedication ceremony was held on Friday to celebrate the completion of an economic development project in Lyons. 

The City of Lyons had a lot to celebrate on Friday during a dedication ceremony of the completion of an economic development project.

The KSTW Ltd. Mahindra tractor distribution center now has the opportunity to grow and create additional jobs in the community thanks to the partnership between KDOT, the city of Lyons and KSTW Ltd.

This important economic development project converted 17^th Road, commonly known as Foundry Road, from gravel to a more efficient concrete surface.   The improvements allow for safer access for truck traffic entering and exiting the distribution facility which allows the company to increase in location size and allow for additional employees.

KDOT provided funds for the design and construction, which cost $500,000. KSTW Ltd. and the City of Lyons were able to fund the remaining construction engineering costs which brought the total dollar amount of the project to $562,000.

Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson had the opportunity to meet with those who celebrated the new opportunities the concrete surface creates.

“This was a great example of cooperation between the public and private sectors the benefit of everyone, and KDOT was proud to be a part of this joint effort between the state, the city and the company.” Carlson said.

Mike Young, the Mayor of Lyons, credited KDOT as a vital contributor to this project.

“I would like to express an immense appreciation towards KDOT for the support and guidance of this project,” Young said. “Without KDOT this project would not have been possible. KDOT has and continues to be a major part of the success of our community.”

This project was let on October 21 of last year and was completed earlier this month. 

Governor Sam Brownback appoints Richard Carlson as KDOT Secretary

Topeka – Governor Sam Brownback today named Richard Carlson Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA). Carlson has served as Interim Secretary of KDOT since July 15.

Carlson served in the Kansas House of Representatives for 10 years beginning in 2004, representing the 61^st District of Pottawatomie County and northern Wabaunsee County. He was the Chairman of the House Taxation Committee for six years and served on the Appropriations Committee and Commerce and Labor Committee. Most recently Carlson was the legislative liaison for the Kansas Department of Revenue.

“Richard Carlson brings both experience and a deep understanding of Kansas and its citizens to this position,” said Governor Brownback. “I appreciate his commitment to serving the state and know that he will be a strong and positive leader for KDOT.”

"I appreciate Governor Brownback's confidence in my management abilities,” Carlson said. “I look forward continuing to oversee our outstanding Kansas transportation system, recognized as one of the best in the nation."

This appointment will require confirmation by the Kansas State Senate.

KDOT road preservation in full swing

A section of I-70 in NW Kansas before preservation work was done. 

Preserving Kansas roads, ranked among the top five states in America, is a priority at KDOT.

The right maintenance at the right time—whether it’s chip sealing, crack sealing, asphalt overlay, resurfacing or patching—helps extend the life of the pavement for many years and protects the investment we have made in our Kansas highways.

The same section of road following preservation work completed. 

In fiscal year 2016, over 700 miles of preservation work occurred. Under current KDOT budgeting, preservation is projected to increase to 1,000 miles in fiscal year 2017 and 1,200 miles in fiscal year 2018.

One-hundred bridges were estimated to be repaired or replaced in fiscal year 2016, but by the end of the year, 117 projects were completed. In fiscal year 2017, 160 bridges are scheduled for work under current KDOT budgeting.

 “Orange barrels are blanketing Kansas roadways as KDOT continues to provide one of the best transportation systems in the nation,” Interim Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson said. “Preservation is an essential element of KDOT and is a proactive approach to meeting the transportation needs of our state.”

This fiscal year, KDOT will spend two times more on preservation projects than the year Governor Brownback took office. Expansion and enhancement projects will jump over $10 million during the same period, while modernization projects will increase by nearly $10 million.