Wind farm work to close 59 highway

Local News

March 28, 2019 - 10:24 AM

A disassembled crane sits next to the base of what will be a wind turbine in northern Allen County. A stretch of U.S. 59 north of Moran will be closed Monday in order for such a crane to be moved across the highway.

A portion of U.S. 59 will be closed north of Moran between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, in order for crews to move a wind tower crane across the highway.

The highway will be closed from Rhode Island to South Dakota Road, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

There will be no signed detour for the closure. Motorists will be required to find their own alternate routes.

While there has been no stoppage to the work done on the Prairie Queen wind farm project in northern Allen County, a recent staff changeover has changed the dynamic of the construction work.

Rod Cossman, site manager for EDP Renewables, said a new work crew has been brought onto the site with Black and McDonald, a subcontractor for EDP.

The employees were brought on after others left their posts, due to a pay dispute.

Cossman said the changeover and extended winter weather slowed the pace of construction, but work has resumed at a normal pace.

That pace will quicken with a third 600-foot crane brought on site, Cossman said.

The deadline for the wind farm completion is May 31.

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