By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Traffic control cones and signs are going in place today as a new phase of construction begins in the North Vine Street Corridor Improvement Project.
Beginning Wednesday, 32nd Street at Vine Street will be one-way westbound and 33rd Street at Vine will be one-way eastbound.
"Simply stated, motorists will be able to get to 32nd and 33rd Streets from Vine, but they will not be able to get to Vine from 32nd or 33rd," said John Braun, Hays project manager. "They'll have to find alternate routes."
Construction in these areas will continue throughout the summer.
Traffic on the west frontage road remains one-way northbound as it is reconstructed.
"They'll be building the intersection, widening it out and getting the splitter islands constructed. That will allow for connection to the roundabout on Vine Street during the next phase," Braun explained. "It also provides protection for pedestrian crossings."
"A splitter island, or raised median, separates the direction of traffic as motorists approach and directs vehicles in the correct orientation to enter the roundabout," he added.
The 32nd/33rd double, or peanut, traffic roundabout will be the first of four to be built on north Vine. That phase is expected to begin in mid-August and be completed in mid-November.
Braun said the city will implement an educational campaign to instruct drivers on how to utilize the double roundabout.
Questions about the project may be directed to the contractor, Smoky Hill Construction by emailing [email protected], accessing the project page on the city of Hays website, or contacting the Office of Project Management at 785-628-7350.