U.S. 50 T-WORKS project in Lyon County now underway

EMPORIA—Governor Laura Kelly and KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz broke ground on a U.S. 50 Highway expansion project today. This project announced under the previous transportation program, T-WORKS, was delayed in 2016 due to transfers from the State Highway Fund. “From Day One, my administration committed to rebuilding our infrastructure and putting an end to using critical transportation dollars to cover the state’s unpaid debts,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Transportation investments don’t just create short-term construction jobs, they have the ability to change the long-term economic outcomes for communities that have lost population and businesses. Because of our commitment to fiscal responsibility, we will not only be able to restore what we’ve lost, but also to make new investments that will deliver the future Kansans deserve.” The project, which spans from Road E5 to half mile east of Road F in Lyon County, will widen the highway to 4-lanes for one mile.  This stretch of highway carries the most truck traffic of any 2-lane highway in the state. Improvements are also being made at the Road E5 and Road F intersections. “This project will greatly improve safety and enhance economic development opportunities,” said Senator Jeff Longbine. “It will also serve a future commercial and industrial growth area.” This project was selected for construction in 2011 and community members have long advocated about the importance of its completion. “We recognize the important role transportation investments can play in our state’s economic recovery and we’re doing all we can to accelerate the delivery of our remaining T-WORKS and future IKE projects,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “We look forward to working with communities to deliver more great projects like this one for Kansas soon.” Koss Construction Company of Topeka is the primary contractor on the $7.8 million improvement project. ###