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.

U.S. 69 expansion project begins with groundbreaking celebration

Construction of the U.S. 69 expansion project was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony. 

U.S. 69 expansion project begins with groundbreaking celebration          

KDOT celebrated the start of the U.S. 69 expansion project with a groundbreaking ceremony earlier today in Bourbon County.

"We at KDOT are proud to be part of this important project and look forward to its successful completion." Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson said.

The $20.4 million T-WORKS construction project will expand a six-mile section of U.S. 69 to a four-lane upgradable expressway.  The project, which begins at the Crawford-Bourbon County line, extends north and ends at the divided four-lane pavement south of the city of Fort Scott.

Two lanes will be added to the existing highway, and at-grade intersections will be constructed at Arrowhead, Birch, Calvary, Deer and Fern roads.

The project is expected to reach completion by November 2018.