The K-18 construction project might be a headache to some, and one area caught right in the construction zone is the Manhattan Regional Airport.
As of last week, the left lane of eastbound K-18 was closed from the new K-114/K-18 interchange in Ogden east to the Stagg Hill Road area. This week, closures will take place at the crossover west of the airport, which is currently in use by westbound traffic heading to I-70 by moving across into the passing lane of the eastbound lanes. Starting Monday, March 19, all traffic will be in those eastbound lanes, creating head-to-head traffic. The airport crossover will be used for westbound K-18 traffic trying to get to Ogden, Wildcat Creek Road, or 68th Ave.
“We’re very much concerned about getting the word out to not only folks that are coming to the airport or departing once they land here,” Peter Van Kuren, Manhattan Regional Aiport Director, says. “But folks in general as they transit back and forth between Manhattan and Fort Riley.”
Also beginning Monday will be the closure of K-18 at Miller Parkway and Davis Drive. This will effectively close access to K-18 from those two roads, with Miller Parkway to reopen in November 2012 and Davis Drive projected for a Fall 2013 reopening, when the new interchange is completed.
“We’re asking folks to give themselves a lot more time when they come to the airport,” Van Kuren says. “Be aware of the traffic situation and construction.”
Traffic will be directed through the project work zone via advanced message boards and signage, with the speed limit restricted to 55 mph throughout the project work zone. The work is part of the overall improvement project that will reconstruct a seven-mile stretch of K-18 from Manhattan to Ogden to a freeway when completed. Work is planned to wrap up in late 2013.
