KDOT
The Kansas Department of Transportation announced it has awarded a contract for the first phase of construction on K-383 in Phillips County. Construction is expected to begin later this year.
KDOT approved the $11.8 million bid from Venture of Corporation of Great Bend during its June letting.
The 26-mile corridor from the east U.S. 36 junction in Norton County to the U.S. 183 junction in Phillips County was selected in 2011 as a modernization project under KDOT’s T-WORKS transportation program. KDOT has split the project into three separate phases for construction. The phases include:
- Phase I: Phillips County portion of approximately 6 miles starting 2 miles east of Long Island and ending at the U.S. 183 junction.
- Phase II: Norton County portion of approximately 6 miles starting at the east U.S. 36 junction and ending near Almena.
- Phase III: The 14-mile portion from Almena to 2 miles east of Long Island.
Construction on Phase I is scheduled to begin in November and involves reconstructing and widening the highway on existing alignment. Project work also includes flattening sections of hills to improve motorist visibility and adding 6-foot paved shoulders. This portion will be closed for construction starting in March 2022 and a state route detour will be in effect. Further information regarding the closure points and detour will be issued nearer to the closure date.
Phase II is expected to be let for bidding in 2022 for construction in 2023. Project work will require the highway to be closed during construction.
Phase III is currently still under development. KDOT presented three different design alternatives for public review and feedback earlier this year. During the review period, more than 800 individuals visited the project website, www.k383almenatolongisland.com, and provided 120 comments. KDOT plans to host a public meeting this fall to present the Phase III design concept and answer questions regarding the project.