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Barriers meant to stop traffic

By Lisa Scheller - | Jun 12, 2002

Most, but not all, of the more than 1,000 drivers that each day used to drive through the intersection of Evans Road and County Road 25, are taking detours.

The intersection, closed in late May because of upcoming road construction, is expected to remain closed for at least four months. But Dan King, owner of King Construction, Oskaloosa, said drivers have been using the intersection anyway.

“They move the barricades every night,” King said. “We can’t keep it from happening.”

Leavenworth County Undersheriff Dave Zoellner said his officers are aware of this.

“We spend a lot of time putting the barriers back up at that location,” Zoellner said.

This is illegal, Zoellner said.

“If it’s been declared closed, then it’s closed,” he said.

“If people want to take the barricades down and drive through, they’re in violation, which could be enforced.”

According to Kansas law, removal of a barricade and driving through a barricaded roadway is a misdemeanor, subject to fines of $10 to $100, and court costs.

However, King said, work this week may deter drivers.

“We’re tearing the asphalt out this week, clearing the trees and we’ll get started on earthwork this week,” King said.

A federal safety grant will fund 90 percent of the estimated $400,000 cost of construction, with the county paying the remainder. Changes include adding left-turn lanes on Evans Road, widening the shoulders near the intersection and cutting down the hill to the east to improve visibility. In addition, shoulders on the approaches on County Road 25 will be widened.