by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
RILEY COUNTY - On Monday, October 30th, Kansas Department of Transportation(KDOT) crews will begin an emergency repair project on the 56th Avenue bridge over K-18.
KDOT will be repairing damages previously made to the underside of the bridge by a semi truck hauling large equipment.
The initial phase of the project will close the westbound K-18 lanes under the bridge and the 56th Avenue bridge while crews repair or replace damaged girders on the underside of the bridge.
Westbound traffic on K-18 will be re-routed up the 56th Avenue off-ramp and back onto K-18 using the on-ramp. The stop sign at the top of the off-ramp will be covered and traffic will be reduced to a 30 mph speed limit through the area.
Eastbound traffic on K-18 will not be affected by the project. The eastbound K-18 off- and on-ramps will be open for travel south of the bridge only during the repair project.
Travelers wanting to reach the Manhattan Regional Airport will need to use either the Scenic Drive exit east of the airport and follow Skyway Drive west to the airport or take the K-114 exit west of the airport and follow Skyway Drive east to the airport.
KDOT expects the first phase to be completed in late December, weather permitting, which will allow westbound K-18 to reopen, along with one lane in each direction on 56th Avenue reopening.
Bridges Inc., of Newton, is the prime contractor on the $640,000 project, which is expected to be complete by late January 2024.