Construction work on an important Independence road project could begin as early as the end of January.
West Maple Street is due for several upgrades, including street widening, the addition of curb, gutters and storm sewers from 21st Street to 28th Street, and the milling and overlaying of the street from 17th to just west of the Whiskey Creek Bridge. Traffic control devices have already been set along the street, but actual construction could begin as soon as January 31.
The project was originally announced in July 2020 after the city was awarded nearly $1.6 million from the Kansas Department of Transportation to assist with improvements to a stretch of Maple Street ranging from 17th Street to west of Peter Pan Road. The street is highly traveled, with multiple heavy industries being located along the road. It is also the connector of south Independence with Walmart and Labette Health’s Independence Health Care Center. Improvements are thus needed to optimize safety and commercial operations.
The total cost of the project is estimated to cost about $2.6 million. In addition to the funds provided by KDOT, the city is expected to provide $1 million itself. Completion of the expansive project is anticipated in the third quarter of this year.
