HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The proposed northwest passage extending K-14 and K-96 onto a new super two highway from near Willowbrook to Sterling is back on the Kansas Department of Transportation list of projects.

KDOT officials believe the freeway concept will be a much safer roadway. The section of new highway once complete would be like the current Bob Dole bypass around the west side of Hutchinson and South Hutchinson.

The estimated cost for the Reno County portion of the project is $56,988.00 while the Rice County portion is estimated to cost $51,625.00. The cost could increase prior to the project start.

The project according to the KDOT website is scheduled to begin in April 2021 with bid letting on Feb. of that year.

The project has been delayed because of lack of funding and the project will proceed in 2021 assuming money is available.