SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — South Hutchinson City Manager Joseph Turner said his council told him they want to be clear on their position with regard to the Woodie Seat Freeway.
"What was communicated to me at the council meeting was that they were opposed to the option number 5, which would involve tearing down the bridge and having all the traffic exit on to Avenue F which would then be subject to the railroad crossings and delays of that sort," Turner said.
Potential mutual aid situations between the two cities are a concern.
"There's fire response and there's also police response on a mutual aid," Turner said. "If there's say, an exigent circumstance, there could be some issues in that regard."
Turner is sensitive to both the idea that when KDOT changes lane miles, it leaves cities with the responsibility and to the fact that bridges are expensive and difficult to get paid for.
"Obviously, the city of Hutchinson, they have to deal with their own political issues and the needs of their residents," Turner said. "I think, if you look at it objectively, the best option is the engineer preferred option."
The intent is for South Hutchinson to send a formal letter expressing their concerns against a surface-based solution in the coming weeks.