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The Engineering Department works to improve and maintain the County roadway system to provide safe travel for the public. We apply for grants from the State and Federal governments that can cover a large part of the costs for new bridge construction and safety improvements such as signing, pavement markings, and intersection improvements. The department provides inspection services on road and bridge construction projects, conducts traffic and drainage studies, and issues utility permits for installations within the County right of way. Our cartographer updates maps and information for appraisals and deeds, keeps the NextGen 911 information up to date for emergency responders, and develops various maps containing information for roads, jurisdictional boundaries, bike routes, scenic routes, and other items of interest. The Engineering office also maintains road records, section corner reports, and assists surveyors needing information. The County Engineer serves as the Floodplain Manager and assists homeowners, landowners, and developers in identifying flood zones and ensuring that new construction meets federal flood zone requirements.
Redwing Intersection Improvement Project
The NE 60 Avenue intersection on the north side of K-4 highway was reopened to traffic on Oct. 11, 2021. The project improved the turning movements to and from NE 60 Avenue by constructing wider turning radii, allowing trucks and farm equipment to turn the corner in a safer manner. The old concrete drainage box under NE 60 Avenue that was near the north edge of K-4 was removed and replaced with a new concrete box that sits further to the north under NE 60 Avenue. An additional existing box under K-4 on the west side of the intersection was lengthened to the north. These two drainage structure improvements allowed for the construction of the wider asphalt pavement in the intersection. L&M Contractors, Inc., of Great Bend was the contractor for the project, which was chosen for funding through KDOT’s Cost Share Program. Under the agreement KDOT will reimburse the County for 75% of the construction costs up to a maximum KDOT participation of $206,745.00. L&M Contractors submitted the low bid in the amount of $294,531.90.
North Washington Avenue at North 30 Road Intersection Improvement Project
New and improved traffic safety features will be added as a part of this project, with construction tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2022. L&M Contractors, Inc., of Great Bend was awarded the project, with 90% of the cost being covered by KDOT through their High-Risk Rural Roads project funds. The planned improvements will include the installation of overhead mast arms with warning lights, advance signing that will notify drivers on North Washington Avenue when traffic is approaching on North 30 Road, flashing LED stop signs on North 30 Road, improvements to sight distance through the removal of trees, and other improvements to signing and pavement markings.
NW 50 Road Box Bridge Extension Project East of NW 10 Avenue
The existing concrete box bridge on NW 50 Road just east of NW 10 Avenue will be widened and the shoulders will be flattened to eliminate the existing drop-off at the edges of the road. The project will provide recoverable slopes in the event a vehicle leaves the road, and there will no longer be a need for guardrail along the road. This project is included in the KDOT High-Risk Rural Roads project at North Washington Avenue/North 30 Road and will follow the same schedule.