A field survey crew began work in Crawford County last week. It’s looking at the following intersections along U.S. 69: U.S. 400, Langdon Lane, Olive Street, Memorial Drive, West Quincy Avenue, 590th Avenue and 620th Avenue.
The intersections were selected as a result of the ongoing study by KDOT. Phase one of the study took place in 2024. KDOT held open houses for the public to voice their concerns with U.S. 69, and then identified improvement projects based on the concerns. In phase two, which took place earlier this year, the public was able to give feedback on the projects before the department finalized its plans.
The plans include improvements to signage, traffic signals, lighting and pavement markings, and the construction of one roundabout. Plans for two additional roundabouts, more turn lanes and acceleration lanes are currently under development, but have not been funded.
According to KDOT district engineer Darrin Petrowsky, the survey crew is looking at the existing infrastructure at the intersections, which will be taken into account before construction starts.
“Are there any identifiable utilities?” he said. “Underground utilities? Drainage structures? Anything that’s going to be in the way that we’ll have to deal with.”
The survey is expected to be finished by Sept. 1. After it’s done, KDOT will work on preliminary designs for the improvements, then conduct a field check and begin the process of purchasing any property needed.
“Most of these projects were identified where they can fit on our existing right of way, but there are a couple of exceptions that we know we’re going to have to purchase additional right of way,” Petrowsky said.
According to Petrowsky, this will affect some landowners.
“We’ll have to work through those issues with those specific landowners and business owners at the time associated with that project,” he said.
Petrowsky called some of the projects simple, and said the turn around time for them could be quick. Construction for the projects is expected to start between 2026 and 2029.
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