The Barton County Commission Monday morning approved a pair of three-party agreements between the Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad Company, Kansas Department of Transportation and the county for railroad crossing improvements on SW 40 Avenue (Airport Road) and SE 20 Avenue (Kiowa Road).
KDOT requested the approval of agreements, County Engineer Barry McManaman said.
The Airport Road project involves the construction of a new concrete crossing surface, cantilever signals that hang out over the road and gates just north of NW 2O Road. The Kiowa Road project involves the construction of a new concrete crossing surface, straight post signals and gates just south off of U.S. 56 on the east edge of Great Bend.
The county is only responsible for the installation and maintenance of advance warning signs and pavement markings on SW 40 Avenue and advance warning signs on SE 20 Avenue as the county has always done, McManaman said. The railroad is paying for 10% of the cost for the improvements with KDOT kicking in the remaining 90%.
The timeline for the projects is unclear, he said. It could be a matter of months before things get started.
When it does begin, he said it is likely the roads will be closed entirely while at least some of the work is done. Presumably, he said, it will be done with the large trucks, like those hauling wind turbine parts to the Great Bend Transload Facility, in mind.
Barton County Commission meeting at a glance
Here is a quick look at what the Barton County Commission did Monday morning:
• Approved Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad Company, Kansas Department of Transportation and Barton County agreements for railroad crossing improvements on SW 40 Avenue (Airport Road) and SE 20 Avenue (Kiowa Road).
• Approved a Road and Bridge Department request for proposal for a sewer line replacement.
The project includes the installation of sewer line pipe, new drain and trap, County Works Director Darren Williamns said. As a part of the project, the commission approved recommended hiring Kansas Coring and Cutting of Salina to cut existing concrete and asphalt at a cost of $2,640, and Moeder Plumbing, Heating and Air of Great Bend to install 160 feet of PVC pipe from the restrooms inside to the manhole outside at a cost of $5,287.
County personnel will remove all concrete, dig the trench and backfill.
It is possible American Rescue Plan Act (federal COVID-19 recovery funds) could be used to reimburse the county for the expenses.
• Continued budget discussions.
