What to expect when you’re expecting road construction

A common question on KDOT’s social media pages is “When are you going to fix that road?” There are steps that take place before a highway construction project begins.  

One of the first steps is the appearance of neon orange or white numbers spray painted on the shoulder or on the road if there is no shoulder. 

One of the first signs of a project are painted numbers on the side of the road. 

In addition, stakes will also be placed on the roadside in the grass or brush.  The numbers and the stakes are references used to measure quantities of materials that are used during the project. This also allows the contractor and KDOT to track the amount of material used per 100 feet of roadway.

Stakes are also added as reference points in the grass or brush. 

KDOT’s local maintenance crews also play a large part in preparing for a project.  They are responsible for mowing and weed eating the work zone prior to a project.  This increases visibility for motorists and crews and helps reduce the fire hazard during a project. KDOT’s local crews will also repair shoulders and patch potholes if the number of traffic lanes is being reduced to one lane during a project. Local crews will also install passing and no-passing signs in the construction area as highway markings may be removed during construction.

Crews construct no-passing signs because highway markings may be removed during construction.

At some point, a site will be cleared and leveled, and piles of aggregate will be moved near the work zone.  Aggregate may include sand, rock or other material as needed.  Approximately one to two weeks before the project begins, a mobile plant which produces concrete or asphalt, will be moved into the site and set up. 

For some projects, the contractor will create a temporary plant site to haul and store aggregate and set up equipment to produce asphalt for the project using a mobile plant. 

Finally, work zone signs and traffic control devices will be placed along the side of the road in the days before the project begins.  This gives motorists time to prepare for changes in traffic flow before the project begins and is a sure sign that construction is just around the corner.

Always know before you go by visiting kandrive.org for the most up to date highway construction projects and detours. Remember to ditch the distractions, slow down and obey work zone warning signs.