By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Kansas Department of Transportation announced their latest approved bids last week for
state highway construction and maintenance projects. The northern portion of
Barton County received more love as a project for north U.S. 281 Highway was
given the green light.
KDOT Area Engineer Michelle Burnett, based out of Great Bend, said the project
will mill and overlay 11.1 miles of U.S. 281 from the K-4
junction, north to the Barton/Russell county line.
"On that 281 north section, we've noticed some issues with the center line," said Burnett. "That project will repair the center line and overlay the highway. The focus is to keep everything safe and smooth for the traveling public."
Burnett expected the area of U.S. 281 to be handled next spring.
"Our maintenance forces make sure they run every route weekly, and I try to run every route at least monthly," said Burnett. "Once a year, we have a tour where the area, district and representatives from Topeka evaluate any roads that we feel need more attention. I would pick roads that need work in our area, and we try to cycle them through."
Venture Corporation is the contractor for the $3,384,231 million project.