The Kansas Department of Transportation is preparing to begin a reconstruction project on Highway 160 near the Bartlett soybean processing plant.

Crews began setting up detour signs today, with the highway expected to close between Highway 169 and County Road 5500 sometime this week, potentially Wednesday. The official detour will route traffic along Highway 169, 166 and 59. KDOT says state highways are used for safety and to handle heavier traffic, noting nearby routes like K-101 are not suitable for large trucks.

During construction, through traffic will be stopped at both ends of the project area, but commercial vehicles will still be able to access the soybean plant and landfill from Highway 169 using a temporary road. The project includes wider lanes, new shoulders and added turning lanes, with work expected to continue through May 2027. KDOT reminds drivers to stay alert in work zones and follow posted detours.