March 16 has been set for the next public input session to discuss proposed changes to the intersection of Broadway and Harrison, it was announced at the Great Bend City Council meeting Monday night.
City Engineer Robert Winiecke announced that the meeting is set for 6-7 p.m. in the council chambers of the city building.
Winiecke reported earlier that about 20 local residents attended the first comment session and he added in his previous report to the council that the consensus of opinion at the first comment session involved moving ahead with the removal of the “island” on the east side of the intersection so a left-turn lane can be installed.
Also, there are two trees at the intersection that interrupt the sight line, making the intersection more dangerous.
Council members stressed their desire to see the city move ahead with the council’s decision to erect traffic signals at that location, though that is not likely to stop concerns about it, City Administrator Howard Partington commented.
“It’s a political intersection. I’ve seen council, after council, after council have to deal with it,” Partington told the council.
Work is also moving ahead with another prominent city project, though it remains behind schedule, it was suggested.
Wieniecke said work began this week on the roof of the concession building at the sports complex off south McKinley.
“It seems to be taking a long time,” Partington said, estimating that the work is two and a half months behind schedule. The city administrator added the work is supposed to be done by March 31, and that is still going to leave details to be completed before the ball season begins.
He noted that there are tournaments planned for June and July and some issues have to be addressed first to make sure the facility is safe to use.
Wieneck reported on recent work at the complex. “Construction progress at the Great Bend Sports Complex for this two-week period (leading up to Monday) included digging and pouring five of the six concrete foundations for the press box and bleacher canopy on field number three, and continued placement of roof trusses on the restroom/concession building.”