The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and Kansas Department of Transportation are partnering to plan a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the K-61 Highway four lane enhancement project and the John Neal Memorial Highway.

The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on August 10, from 10:00 a-m to 11:00 a-m, at the field behind Union Valley Elementary School, 2501 E. 30th, which overlooks the new pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway just south of 30th.

A reception following the program will be held at the Visitor Center at Dillon Nature Center, 3002 East 30th.

The completion of the improvements of Highway K-61 comes at much anticipation from citizens and elected officials alike. K-61, running from McPherson to Hutchinson, marks the opening of full four lane highway access to I-70 from communities along the route. The K-61 improvement project is one of the last projects to be completed and funded through the 1999 Comprehensive Transportation Program (CTP).

The portion of highway in Reno County will be named the John Neal Memorial Highway. John Neal’s dedicated leadership was instrumental in KDOT selecting the project for funding. Darla Neal will be at the dedication ceremony to unveil the sign that marks the portion of K-61 that will now be known as the John Neal Memorial Highway.

KDOT officials, state and local officials, and others who had vital roles in the success of the K-61 Enhancement Project have been invited to attend the dedication ceremony.

Special guests to be attending include Seth Bridge, who as a Buhler High School senior in 1999, gave his testimony to a group of state and local officials about the importance highway safety for students in the area.

Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Jerry Younger, will also participate in the dedication ceremony.

Community members are also invited to attend the celebration. For more information, please contact the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at 620-662-3391.