Melissa Bridges is worried about the increased traffic in the 200 block of South Ida.

Bridges works with KETCH, a local non-profit organization helping developmentally disabled Kansans. The KETCH offices span both sides of Ida, and the people it serves often must cross the street.

"Certain times of day, it's probably ten times busier [than usual]," Bridges said. "I've seen people driving extremely fast, not using caution, not willing to stop and let you through."

South Ida is usually a quiet street and safe to cross. But construction on Washington Street just one block over is forcing all northbound drivers to detour. That's made S. Ida very busy.

"When you've got people who are developmentally disabled, some of them will do what they want to do," Bridges said. "If they want to cross that street, they're going to cross that street."

Bridges said everybody with KETCH has been warned of the increased traffic, and crossing guards are available to help KETCH patrons safely cross the street.

But with construction expected to last up to 60 days, Bridges wants drivers to be more alert.

"My biggest concern is that somebody would get injured crossing the street when somebody's not paying attention or driving too fast," Bridges said.

The speed limit on S. Ida is 20 mph, which is actually five miles per hour less than the posted speed limit within the construction on southbound Washington. There are also more stop signs on S. Ida, which Bridges says she's seen some drivers ignore.

Wichita Police are patrolling the area and say anybody caught speeding or running a stop sign will be ticketed.