For the first time since the project began, K-61 Highway is now four-lane in both directions from 17th which is the south end of the project to McPherson where its been four-lane east of K-153 for years. In other words, the highway is now four-lane in both directions from Hutchinson all the way to I-135.

The McPherson County portion of the highway has been complete for sometime now, but the Reno County section has taken a lot longer because of the re-alignment of the highway from 30th to north of Medora.

With the highway all but complete, The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and Kansas Department of Transportation still plan a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the highway four lane enhancement project and the John Neal Memorial Highway on Friday August 10 at 11 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.