Work continues on U.S. Highway 69 project

Workers are in the midst of a project to make improvements to U.S. Highway 69 and the highway's intersections with South National Avenue and various other streets.

Work began in May on intersection and corridor improvements. The U.S. 69 project area runs from South National to 23rd Street and includes intersections with National, 19th and 23rd streets. Improvements consist of storm sewer replacement, widening, mill and overlay of the roadway and intersection lighting at the 18th and 23rd street intersections.

The project, which is being funded mostly by a Kansas Department of Transportation grant, also includes an eventual widening and resurfacing of the highway.

Work continues in the area of South National, 18th and 19th streets, on needed upgrades prior to the widening of the highway, Fort Scott Street and Traffic Supervisor Chad Brown said.

"Right now they're installing all new storm sewers, storm inlets and pipe, and boxes at 18th Street," Brown said.

Barriers have been placed in the construction area to close off roads that are receiving improvements. Heavy machinery has been operating in recent weeks in the South National/18th Street area, as well as on a portion of 19th Street running into U.S. 69 that remains closed to traffic.