A strategic plan is being put in motion by Pottawatomie County Public Works as it attempts to timely and efficiently make repairs to the miles of gravel roads within the county’s jurisdiction.
On KMAN’s In Focus Tuesday, Public Works Director Peter Clark said asphalt roads, for the most part, stayed in good shape. But after numerous freeze and thaw cycles this past winter, Clark says many of the roads saw loosened compaction and became soft on the surface.
Clark says the strategic plan includes approving more overtime for road crews, working with the six rock quarries in the county and getting rock to gravel roads, the latter of which is out for bids through April 2 as part of an authorized material hauling contract.
The total plan is estimated to cost around $1.6 million paid from the county’s road and bridge fund (about $600,000) and from the rural highway fund ($1 million). Clark estimates by employing this strategic plan and weather depending, Public Works should be able to repair all weather damage to gravel roads in a matter of two to three months.
In addition to gravel road improvements, there will also be a handful of major road construction improvements happening just east of Manhattan this summer. This includes work along Hwy 24 and Green Valley Road. Public Works Director Peter Clark described some of the work planned.
Green Valley Road will also be widened from Hwy 24 up to Elk Creek and a pedestrian trail will also be constructed across the creek continuing down to the commercial area on the highway.
Additionally, the intersection of Hwy 24 and Crown C will see intersection improvements, including extension of a frontage road from Heritage Square south development to Crown C as well as some intersection improvements with turn lanes. Both projects are slated for the end of summer. Delays can be expected in both directions.
Community engagement continues on Green Valley Governance Plan
Feedback from residents in the Green Valley area of Pottawatomie County continues to be gathered toward a potential solution to a governance plan.
Following a survey and a town hall meeting earlier this year, county officials are now working to answer questions from residents through a series of six neighborhood meetings. Planning and Zoning Enforcement Officer Stephan Metzger noted they’ll be following up with community members including a meeting Wednesday at 7 p.m. for residents of Eagle’s Landing and one more next week.
Metzger says each meeting has been well attended by residents with a common theme centered around costs associated with the options that include potential annexation of the area into Manhattan or incorporation. He says most are in favor of the status quo.
The goal for Pottawatomie County is to find options available in state stature for those residents to get services they want at a way that’s cost effective and puts that cost on those who are primarily benefiting from those services. The area has continued to see rapid growth for years and that is expected to continue well into the future.
