Detours mean more county road work
Marion County roads will be used by local traffic and highway construction workers during the reconstruction of U.S.-77.
Gerald Kelsey, county road and bridge superintendent, told Marion County Commission bid letting for the U.S.-77 project will be soon, with construction slated to begin in January or February. Construction is anticipated to last about a year, Kelsey said.
Concerned about the detour for local traffic, Kelsey said the road and bridge department will add rock to county roads that will be utilized during the construction time.
More than 6,700 tons of rock will be used in the first "go-round," Kelsey said.
A tentative agreement with Kansas Department of Transportation may include a one-inch overlay on Sunflower road, Kelsey said.
Commissioner Howard Collett asked if there could be a clause added to the agreement regarding damage to county roads following the construction of the state road.
Kelsey answered there had been one in the U.S.-77 project near Lincolnville.
The natural truck detour during the construction of U.S.-77 will be K-150 and U.S.-50. Once truck drivers figure out a short-cut, county roads will be utilized. Kelsey commented KDOT will assist with enforcement of weight limits and was told Marion County Sheriff's office is having their scales re-certified.
Representatives from KDOT will meet with the commission June 7 to discuss the details of the agreement.
