Kansas is known for its quality roads and building good ones
means more than just putting down pavement. Typical construction or
reconstruction projects generally consist of the following:
Planning:
KDOT collects and evaluates a vast amount of information
about the roads including current conditions, traffic volume and crash
statistics. This data helps determine what and how to build.
Design:
Surveys of the road location, surface and terrain, drainage
capabilities and other factors are taken to help develop the design. Once the
design has been developed, KDOT opens the project for bidding from contractors.
Earthwork:
More than just playing in the dirt, earthwork establishes
the stable foundation for the road bed. Contractors build embankments using
cuts and fills, and then level the surface out. Gravel layers are also added
and compacted to bring the road to its designed height.
Paving:
It’s finally time to lay down the surface, which is usually
asphalt or concrete. The type of material depends on maintenance costs, traffic
volume and materials.
Open to Traffic:
Almost…tests are conducted on the new pavement to measure
vibrations. If the road is too rough, the pavement must be smoothed out.
Striping and permanent markings are also applied. Once it passes inspection,
construction zones are removed and the roadway is open for business!
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