RUSSELL – The Kansas Department of Transportation ceremonially broke ground Friday afternoon on the previously delayed T-WORKS project along a portion of U.S. 281 in Russell County.

“This project is a great example of combining an immediate need for reconstructing the roadway – while also modernizing the highway with shoulder slopes with a flatter profile to support larger agriculture equipment,” said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Under FORWARD, we will make sure the remaining delayed T-WORKS projects, like phase two of this project, are at the front of the line for being completed.”

Joining Secretary Lorenz at the event were Sen. Elaine Bowers, Rep. Troy Waymaster, several local officials and highway advocates to celebrate the $9.8 million project, which will rehabilitate and reconstruct approximately 4 miles of pavement north of Russell. 

Work will begin later this spring and include construction of a 30-foot paved surface with three-foot turf shoulders starting at 15th Street in Russell and ending near Land Road. Approximately 1.6 miles of the project will be built on an offset alignment around a geological slide area that has previously caused issues on the current highway. 

A right turn lane will also be constructed in the northbound lane at Land Road. Sporer Land Development of Oakley is the primary contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed in October 2021.