UPDATE: Public Works Director Don Brittain said he was informed Wednesday afternoon that, because of delays in final production of the reinforced concrete boxes for the bridge as well as weather impacting current project completions, the Scott Boulevard project is being delayed a few days. The contractor, Mies Construction, now says it intends to set up traffic control on July 18. Brittain said the contractor will contact him by the middle of next week to confirm this.
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SOUTH HUTCHINSON, — Scott Boulevard in South Hutchinson is set to close Friday as crews prepare to replace the small bridge located just south of Reno County Public Works.
The closing of the bridge has also set off much discussion about the city budget and traffic around both public works and other businesses located on the southeast side of the city.
When the South Hutchinson City Council passed the 2022 budget, any discussion about replacing the bridge was non-existent. According to a memo from City Manager Joe Turner to the city council, the city was able to create areas of flexibility in the budget so that they could pay for the project without amending the budget.
Currently, the city has a carry over balance of $1,486,765, or $395,460 better than expected. The awarded bid for the project was $392,985, minus a $150,000 KDOT grant that lowers the city’s cost to $242,985.
Most of the concern to this point has been the amount of traffic along Avenue F heading west out of the public works lot. Some city residents wanted to have the street closed at the Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad tracks to keep the larger trucks out of the neighborhood. According to the memo, there were also some residents who voiced a desire to keep the road open because they cited safety concerns about the interchange traffic at Main St. and U.S. 50.
As the project works toward completion, Turner said the city may want to take a detailed look at designated truck routes and weight limits within the community to increase public safety, and preserve the city’s infrastructure.
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