Thursday, July 15, 2010

A rail project to improve safety and reduce traffic delays in downtown Wichita has been named a regional winner in the America’s Transportation awards national competition.

Wichita’s Central Rail Corridor currently carries more than 40 trains per day, a number that is expected to double in the future. Accidents had become an increasing issue, large trucks had trouble with inadequate clearance and congestion was seriously disrupting traffic flow.

The $105 million project raised two miles of track to carry trains over the five arterial streets below. For the first time in 100 years, street traffic and emergency vehicles can now cross beneath five bridges carrying trains without any disruption to traffic. Also, temporary retaining walls were constructed to keep the project within the confines of the existing right of way, significantly reducing project cost and environmental impact.

This improvement project took more than four years to construct and was a joint effort of the City of Wichita, the Kansas Department of Transportation and other entities. It removed a major obstacle to downtown Wichita, sparking new economic development that will benefit the city and south central Kansas.

“The Central Rail Corridor project was a great example of a collaboration among local, state and federal entities,” said Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer. “This far-sighted project has greatly improved the quality of life in our community by reducing pollution and improving traffic flow through our city. We are pleased that AASHTO has recognized the value of this project and brings much deserved national attention to one of the greatest public works accomplishments in the country.”

For the project, Dondlinger & Sons Construction Company of Wichita was the prime contractor; HNTB of Kansas City, Mo., was the designers; and TranSystems of Kansas City, Mo., was the program manager.

The six selected regional projects from Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa and Kansas were announced on July 9 at the annual Mississippi Valley Conference that took place in Des Moines, Iowa. They will join other projects selected from across the U.S. to compete for the Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Award. The winners will be announced Oct. 31 in Mississippi.

The America's Transportation Award competition highlights transportation improvements across the country and is sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.