Rock, snow removal to be provided by KDOT
A Kansas Department of Transportation representative met Monday with Marion County Commission to discuss detours due to repairs and construction of U.S.-77 between Marion and Florence.
Brice Goebel, construction engineer from the Marion office, said there will be a detour from Florence on U.S.-50 to K-150 to U.S.-77.
"We realize local people will use county roads," Goebel said.
KDOT will provide rock for specific county roads that will carry local traffic due to highway repairs. Residents along U.S.-77 will be given adequate access, including one residence requiring a rear access.
The main county road used will be 140th from U.S.-77 to Aulne. The road will be open at all times, Goebel said. Either 170th or 230th also will remain open at all times during construction.
A cul-de-sac will be added at Eighth Street in Florence to keep traffic from entering the highway.
"As long as the county roads remain safe and are in the same condition afterwards, we don't have a problem," said commissioner Howard Collett.
A one-inch overlay, provided by KDOT, on Sunflower Road has been discussed, Goebel said. The county may have the option of having the overlay completed before or after construction. The commission agreed it would be best after construction is completed.
"KDOT is willing to provide ice and snow removal on Sunflower Road to U.S.-50 during construction," Goebel said.
Commission chairman Leroy Wetta asked how KDOT will respond to abnormal weather, requiring more work to the county roads while being used as a detour. Goebel said KDOT will respond to necessary road repairs.
"We want to make sure residents have access to their homes," Goebel said.
Goebel suggested the commission write a letter to KDOT, detailing what the county wants in return for additional use by vehicles on county roads during the closing of the state highway.
Bid-letting for construction will be in December with completion anticipated in August 2006, Goebel said.
"We'll be talking with rock haulers to stay off county roads," Goebel said. "We'll also be talking with law enforcement in enforcing use and weight limits."
Goebel added he understood there will be six full-time Kansas Highway Patrol officers in Marion County with the completion of this graduation class.
