Location of the Project
K-61 Highway runs on a southwest to northeast diagonal connecting Pratt to
Hutchinson and I-135 near McPherson in south Central Kansas. The focus of this
project is a 22-mile long section of K-61 beginning at 17th Street in Hutchinson
and continuing northeast to where the road is currently four lanes southwest of McPherson.
Funding
In 1999 the Kansas Legislature authorized one billion dollars for statewide System
Enhancement projects in the Comprehensive Transportation Program. K-61 was one of 29
successful projects to be selected for System Enhancement funding by the Kansas Department
of Transportation. (See History Section for additional information.)
Process
The first phase of the K-61 Enhancement Project was the Planning Phase.
This involved a Location and Design Concept Study, often called a Corridor Study.
This study was done to examine feasible locations for a four-lane expressway
or freeway to identify a preferred location, to develop a preliminary design concept
and to complete environmental documentation.
As a result of this study, engineers determined that a four-lane highway
(combination expressway/freeway) on this section of K-61 was the best solution for
current and future traffic needs in the area. (Click on History tab for background
information leading up to this project.)
Upon completion of the Planning Phase, the Design Phase of the project began.
Thus far, the preferred corridor has been identified, preliminary design options have
been prepared, and meetings have been held to present corridor and design options to the
public for feedback. Issues raised by the public have been considered and adjustments
to the corridor have been made where possible.
Surveying and Technical Studies Underway Now
Although you may see KDOT crews surveying and taking soil samples, construction of K-61
highway enhancements is years away.
In late February 2005, KDOT teams began surveying the preliminary center line of the
new road. Once that is done, technicians will conduct separate on-site studies of the soil
and underground features along the alignment. These activities could include manual or power
tools to determine soil and rock layers and to collect samples.
When it becomes necessary for crew members to enter private property, they will first
obtain permission to do the work on the property from the landowner or tenant. If the property
is located in or near the corridor area, the landowners or tenants may be contacted several
times concerning work on their property.
Having work conducted on your property does not mean that construction will take place on
or near your property. In many cases the work is being done to exclude the property from the
final highway corridor. Many factors have to be examined to build a safe and long-lasting highway.
For example, In the Inman area, special seismic equipment will be used to search for underground
voids caused by dissolving salt in the Hutchinson Salt Layer. The results of these studies could
affect the final alignment of the road, particularly in the Inman area, where we there are underground voids.
Final Steps
Once all of the adjustments are made to the corridor, work begins on Right-of-Way (ROW)
requirements and discussions. After the ROW property has been purchased, utilities will be moved.
Although the Construction Phase officially begins once the engineering plans are finalized and
utilities are moved, actual construction will not begin for some time. Contracts have to be
negotiated, materials assembled, work schedules clearly outlined, and notices posted. At this
time, actual construction is not anticipated before spring of 2009.
|
