Work is moving forward on two major infrastructure projects in northwest Emporia.
Interstate 35 work has been underway for weeks on the highway itself as the Kansas Department of Transportation prepares to replace the bridge over Lincoln Street, likely by the Memorial Day weekend. Work is set to begin next month on the expansive 24th and Prairie waterline replacement project.
Both projects could last through most of next year, meaning lengthy and long-lasting detours. On KVOE’s Morning Show on Friday, City Engineer Jim Ubert said the timing of these joint projects is inconvenient for drivers, but both projects are needed.
The I-35 bridge over Lincoln will replace the longstanding box bridge with a span bridge similar to what’s in place now at Interstate 35 over Burlingame, improving visibility for all and also safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. Lincoln will be closed at the bridge, but 24th at Lincoln will remain open.
The waterline project will start at the Water Treatment Plant near 24th and Industrial, going east along 24th to Prairie and then south to 12th. Street closures will be limited to the immediate work area, with Ubert anticipating 100 to 150 feet of work progress per day. About 8,000 feet of 24-inch water main and 5,000 feet of 6-inch to 20-inch water main will be installed along with new service lines, fire hydrants and valves.
