HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council wants public works to draw up a proposal for federal funds for a major construction project involving Woody Seat Freeway.

The city recently received the results of a study on how to deal with the traffic issues surrounding the Woody Seat interchange and the two aging bridges over avenues A and B.

The proposal from KDOT would mean a $6 million-plus reconstruction of the interchange. It would also mean the closing of Avenue B between Adams and Madison. The proposal would call for two roundabouts at Adams and Avenue A and again at Woody Seat, eliminating the interchange and the two bridges. The freeway would incline up and over the K and O and Union Pacific Railroad tracks and continue on as normal.

The council was in agreement that the city should spend $42,000 to apply for a federal transportation grant that could pay for 80% or more of the project. The grant is similar to ones obtained by several government entities supporting Amtrak’s Southwest Chief rail renovation. The city must put the proposal on the fast-track with a July 15 deadline. The council hopes to take formal action on the proposal in two weeks.