Work begins on U.S. 54 Thursday

Monday, August 10, 2009

The Kansas Department of Transportation expects to begin a highway resurfacing project Thursday on U.S. Highway 54. The project extends from the Allen and Bourbon county line east for approximately 21 miles to end at the concrete pavement in Fort Scott.

The resurfacing project will smooth the road and fill cracks that can shorten pavement life. Workers will apply a layer of asphalt over special asphalt glue that binds the new asphalt overlay to the old pavement. This type of overlay promotes drainage and reduces hydroplaning, wet weather spray, and skidding.

KDOT awarded the construction contract of approximately $1.6 million to Heckert Construction Company of Pittsburg. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours each day the contractor is on the project. Drivers can expect delays of 15 minutes or less. Conditions permitting, the road work should be completed by early October 2009.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and "Give 'Em a Brake!" when approaching and driving through the work zone. Persons with questions about the road work or other KDOT projects can call Iola Area Construction Engineer Jerod Kelley at (620) 365-2161 or Southeast Kansas Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (877) 550-5368.