Tuesday, March 19, 2013

West Wichita drivers have another new construction zone to factor into their commute. This one is the next step in connecting I-235 to 13th.

Contractors just put in concrete barriers along 235 south so crews can start building a ramp to connect 235 to 13th.

They reduced traffic down to one lane Tuesday. It's now back to two lanes, but the speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph until the project is complete.

"You can expect a little congestion from that especially during those heavy drive times but we're slowing traffic down because you've got concrete barriers on both sides and you've got construction workers in the area,” KDOT public affairs manager Tom Hein said.

Sometime next week, crews will reduce 235 north between Zoo and Central down to one lane as they put concrete barriers up. It should only last about a day, but the speed limit will remain at 50 mph until the project is finished.

The entire construction project is expected to be completed November 2014.