MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Traffic is once again flowing on the Woodie Seat Freeway after city officials, project partners and community members gathered Tuesday morning to celebrate the official reopening of one of Hutchinson's busiest transportation corridors.
The reopening follows a ribbon-cutting ceremony and marks the completion of the largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the City of Hutchinson.
City Manager Enrico Villegas said the project represents much more than a roadway.
"This project is much more than concrete pavement and traffic control plans," Villegas said. "It is a major thoroughfare for commerce, for transportation, and for the safe and efficient movement of traffic through our community."
Villegas said the freeway serves residents, businesses and the regional economy by improving mobility and providing a safer, more efficient transportation route. He also noted the corridor serves as one of Hutchinson's primary gateways.
"For many people, this is part of their first impression of our community," Villegas said. "First impressions matter."
He credited the project's completion to years of planning and cooperation among the City of Hutchinson, Reno County, contractors and engineering firms. Villegas specifically thanked Reno County for partnering on the first phase of the project, along with city staff, current and former City Council members and local contractor Kansas Concrete.
"This project says that Hutchinson is willing to invest in itself, willing to work with partners and willing to make decisions that support the future," he said.
Southwest District City Council Member Greg Fast, whose district includes the project, called the reopening an important investment for both the local economy and nearby neighborhoods.
"What a great project this is for commerce," Fast said, noting the improved route will help farmers and businesses move goods more efficiently throughout the region.
Fast also said the project demonstrates the city's commitment to investing in southwest Hutchinson.
"Hopefully this sends a message that this area of town, and specifically my district, is not being ignored," Fast said. "What an investment for this part of town. Certainly, a good thing for this community."
While traffic has resumed, officials said the project is not completely finished. Additional landscaping, decorative lighting and public art are planned in the coming months, including a possible mural celebrating the area's Hispanic heritage and a Cosmosphere-themed feature near one of the landscaped entrances.
Hutchinson Public Works Director Cecil Weible thanked city employees, engineering consultants, contractors and residents for their patience throughout construction.
"I want to really thank all of my staff in public works, engineering, street department, fleet, utility departments, parks department — everybody that's been part of this," Weible said. "Really just thankful for the patience of the neighborhood."
Following the ribbon cutting, city vehicles became the first to officially drive across the newly reopened roadway before it was opened to the public.
Although work will continue on aesthetic improvements, officials said reopening the Woodie Seat Freeway restores a key transportation corridor while providing a modern gateway into Hutchinson and supporting future economic growth for the city and Reno County.
LINK: Woodie Seat Freeway to open Tuesday following 17-month closure