The southeast part of Great Bend will see a major street improvement at no cost to the city.
City Engineer Robert Winiecke reports that the Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad will replace the railroad crossing signal equipment on Pine Street and the only responsibility to the city will be the placement of signs.
The project, which is slated to cost more than $200,000, will be completely paid for with federal transportation funds.
Winiecke explained the money comes from Federal Section 130 Funds, and the work will be accomplished by CDL Electrical Company, a Pittsburg, Kan. firm.
The warning signal improvement project is handled in Kansas through the Kansas Department of Transportation, it was explained.
The city engineer reported that the only requirement for the city will be the placement of the advance warning signs.
In an unrelated matter, it was also reported recently that a new promotional element is being planned as the Convention Center is being taken over by the city.
City Administrator Howard Partington reported that there will be an electronic message board to promote the facility. “I plan to order a message board for the convention center in the near future. It would replace the sign that is currently at the northwest corner of the property.”
Partington said the sign, which will be similar to the electronic one at Brit Spaugh Park on north Main Street, will allow for events to be promoted and other information to be included.