As part of the construction progress for the new four lane alignment of K-61 highway in Reno County, traffic was switched Friday to the newly constructed K-61 lanes. Additionally, as part of the opening of the newly constructed part of the highway, the intersection with 30th west of K-61 which has been closed since April 2, was also opened Friday, but 30th east of K-61 will now close to complete the final construction of the K-61 and 30th Street intersection in northeast Hutchinson.

With 30th west of K-61 near Union Valley School now reopened, traffic in that area will have access to K-61 to turn north or south on K-61, but there will be no through traffic across the highway going east on 30th, so drivers on the east side of the highway will need to use an alternate route, such as Apple Lane to 17th.

Now that traffic is switched to the new part of K-61, drivers will have access to local roads north of Hutchinson through two interchanges with ramps near Medora and at 56th Street, and in Hutchinson by intersections with traffic signals at 30th and 17th Streets, but as stated earlier, the 30th St. intersection is currently closed on the east side of the highway .

Two sections of the newly constructed K-61 will initially be open to two lanes only to allow for the removal of the old roadway and finish construction of the new concrete pavement. These two lane sections are from north of Medora to the Reno/McPherson County line and from 30th to 17th Streets in Hutchinson. Drivers can also expect some sections of the new K-61 four lane to have intermittent work continuing, so some additional areas may temporarily have reduced lanes.

30th Street will remain closed at the location between K-61 and Apple Lane until the end of June, while the existing concrete pavement is removed, earth work completed, new concrete pavement is constructed, and new traffic signals installed. Construction of the pedestrian bridge over K-61 at 30th will be completed later this fall.

KDOT officials are urging all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and “slow down” when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.

Persons with questions about this road work can contact the KDOT South Central Kansas Public Affairs Manager, Martin Miller at 620-663-3361 or 1-877-550-5368.