For several years, the county has worked with the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to make improvements to the K-4 Cheyenne Bottoms overlook near Hoisington. The project is finally moving forward.

“The time is at hand for the construction to get started,” County Engineer Barry McManaman told the Barton County Commission Monday morning. The work consists of two parts – paving for parking and pedestrians, and the construction of the tower.

Curt Mauler of L & M Contractors, which is handling the job, said all the preliminary work is done. 

Traffic control on K-4 was set up Monday, Mauler said. His crews will begin work on both phases, the paving and the tower, simultaneously with plans to be done in two to three months, depending on the weather.

“I think this is really exciting news for all of Barton County,” commission Chairwoman  Jennifer Schartz said. It is particularly sweet for the commissioners who have worked on this effort for a long time.

Commissioner Kenny Schremmer said interest in the project has grown. “It will create a lot of business for our area.”

The county is paying for 20 percent of the $328,746 project with the state picking up the rest of the tab. The county, partnering with the KDWPT, received grants from the KDOT and the Federal Highway Administration for the improvements.

The development includes a 10-foot viewing tower accessed by a series of handicapped-accessible ramps. In addition, there will be a paved sidewalk leading to the site from the current site of the information kiosk and parking lot, which will also be paved.

The overlook sits just off of K-4 between Hoisington and Claflin.