NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson’s Engineering Department has been in communication with APAC on the Woodie Seat Freeway Improvements Phase 1 project about a delay in the winter opening due to multiple factors outside of the contractor’s control. The City has agreed to the delay.
"With this project, it's such a multilayered project," said Hutchinson Interim City Manager Mary Grace Clements. "There are so many different contractors that we work with. If we all do remember, a couple weeks ago we had that lovely white stuff fall from the sky. The snow and weather did delay that process, plus the schedule of the multitude of contractors that we work with. We anticipate it not being open right now as we had hoped."
APAC provided a statement to Hutch Post.
"APAC has encountered delays on the Woodie Seat Freeway project that will postpone the winter opening date. We are focusing on completing the essential portions needed to get the roadway opened for safe travel this winter. Due to items of work that are weather sensitive, the roadway will need to be reclosed in the spring to complete the project. We understand Woodie Seat Freeway is a vital route and the inconvenience that comes with the closure; please be patient as we are striving to reopen as soon as possible."
It will be weather dependent on when the reopening is able to take place.
The county's portion of the project, which is just the Arkansas River Bridge, is substantially complete.
Below is video of the project area shot by Nick Hemphill, via Facebook.
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