The Douglas County Public Works Department announces that beginning Monday, March 9, project work will commence to improve roadside safety on Route 1055 (E 1700 Road) from Route 12 (N 400 Road) to Route 460 (N 700 Road) at Vinland. Initial work consists of tree removal within road right-of-way between N 500 Road to N 600 Road.  Route 1055 will remain open to through traffic during tree removal work, which is expected to complete by March 20.

In addition to tree removal within road right-of-way, the project includes replacing nine narrow culverts and construction of paved shoulders at the Route 1055/N 600 Road intersection. This work will commence following tree removal, and is currently anticipated to begin March 23. The work will be conducted in phases or sections.  Portions of Route 1055 will be closed to traffic as work in each section occurs. The three sections of Route 1055 are:

• From north side of Route 12 (N 400 Rd) to south side of N 600 Road intersection
• N 600 Road intersection
• From north side of N 600 Rd intersection to south side of N 700 Rd intersection

Following tree removal work and prior to culvert replacements, a signed detour will be established. The signed detour will be adjusted for each section of Route 1055 closure as work proceeds through the three phases. Detour routes will utilize US-56 highway and US-59 highway. Local access to properties within the road closure will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.  Further information on specific detour routes will be forthcoming prior to any road closures.

This construction project is funded by federal safety funding administered through KDOT and Douglas County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).  KDOT awarded the contract to RD Johnson Excavating Co., Inc., who submitted the low bid of $479,970.70.