By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
A mast arm pole with flashing approaching traffic signs still needs to be installed, but major safety improvements are already noticeable at the Great Bend intersection of North Washington Avenue and North 30 Road, also known as JUCO Road.
Barton
County Engineer Barry McManaman said an added bonus to the project happened
after discussions with Greg and Kimberly Schenk. The Schenks own the property
on the southeast corner of the intersection and chose to remove several trees
on their property line to increase the sight distance at the stop sign.
"After a period of time, Greg Schenk said he would be willing to work with the county and let that be part of the project so we could remove those trees," said McManaman. "There will be new trees planted, but we bought an extra piece of land on the right of way. The new trees will be pushed further back along that cleared area."
The Kansas Department of Transportation is picking up 90% of $604,000 project,
leaving Barton a $61,000 share.
"I can't say enough about the corporation I received from Mr. and Mrs. Schenk because they lose some privacy," said McManaman. "That's something they have tried to maintain for years. We really appreciate them working with us."
L & M Contractors is handling the project that also includes widening a
section of Northwest 50 Road where a concrete drainage box caused sharp
drop-off next to the road.