Parts of the ongoing road redevelopment project in and around Olathe have been delayed, with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) postponing the second phase of the work.
In mid-March 2015, the KDOT announced it would be starting a number of construction projects, including replacing pavement on a two-mile stretch of I-35 in Olathe, between Santa Fe and 151st Street. The work was to include both the northbound and southbound lanes, and KDOT planned to work from sunrise to sunset until December. It also planned to close lanes starting March 30, and work in two phases, each of which was anticipated to last four months.
The project carried a price tag of almost $16 million, and included in that is repair to some of the bridges along I-35, including the railroad bridge carrying the Burlington Northern Tracks.
The delay will be in effect throughout the entire 2015-2016 winter, which will mean traffic northbound on I-35 will be moved back to its original lanes, while traffic southbound on the interstate will be able to access the rebuilt lanes. Transportation officials cite heavy rainfall as the reason for the postponement.
Phase I is slated to be finished by around Labor Day, with Phase Two's completion date now set for September 2016.
Olathe officials might consider working with a flyer printing company on a mailer for residents, informing them of the new schedule and any planned detours.
