KDOT hearing draws few

No news seems to be good news for KDOT, following a public hearing regarding the U.S. 54 construction east of Iola through Gas and LaHarpe.
Three citizens met with Kansas Department of Transportation officials to address concerns regarding the construction. However, the majority of the meeting showed no attendance.
“I was hoping more people would show up so we could alleviate any concerns they may have,” KDOT engineer Jerod Kelley said.
He hopes it is a sign of things to come.
“Who knows, maybe people are ready for the construction to get started,” he said.
Marvin Eagle, owner of Eagle Storage in Gas, came to the meeting simply to get more information regarding the project. His business has two entrances, therefore allowing an alternate route around construction during the process.
“I don’t see any problem,” he said.
Eagle has owned the property along U.S. 54 for five years, he said. Lisa and Dave Fontaine, who live along the highway, attended the meeting as well.
The construction is set to begin in March. The first phase, which includes the roadway just to the east of the U.S. 169 intersection, will be completed by Aug. 1. The next two phases, which run east through Gas and LaHarpe, have a completion date for Nov. 26, 2014.
According to the project documents available during the meeting, “two-way traffic and access to local businesses will be maintained throughout the project construction.”
The highway will receive a full-depth replacement of concrete pavement, curb inlets, grading and sodding.

THE IOLA CITY COUNCIL is holding a special meeting Monday at 7:45 p.m. in the Creitz Recital Hall in the Bowlus. The meeting was requested by city council members to clarify how possible construction would affect a proposed 800-feet of roadway inside the Iola city limits.
The construction was voted down on a 4-3 decision during Monday night’s city council meeting, due to a lack of information. City Administrator Carl Slaugh said the council will have the option to re-vote on the matter during the meeting on Monday.
The construction would link the U.S. 54 KDOT project with the 800-foot section on the east side of Iola. The section would be regarded as a part of phase one, therefore requiring a completion date of Aug. 1.