Kansas invests $6.65M in High Risk Rural Roads projects

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The Kansas Department of Transportation recently awarded $6.65 million in federal funds to 10 rural projects through the High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Program.

In Kansas, more than 60 percent of fatal crashes and serious road injuries occur on county-owned roads and highways. The HRRR program aims to improve rural road safety. Projects must fall into one of two categories. They either must be site specific or encompassing a local roadway network.

The federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds the HRRR program.

“Our rural roads are important to the local and state economy,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said. “Programs like this enable commerce to flow smoothly and improve safety for Kansas families as they travel our state.”

Awardees will be contributing $2.37 million in local funds. Awardees include:

Dickinson County was awarded $1.06 million to increase radius returns at two side roads, extend culverts, eliminate fixed obstacles, install 3-inch shoulders, widen the roadway and install new pavement markings on 1400 Avenue between Jeep Road and Key Road. It will provide a $297,000 match.

Ottawa County was awarded $1.02 million to install 2-inch shoulders, widen the roadway and install new pavement markings on N 170th Road from the Ottawa/Saline County line to K-18. It will provide a $163,000 match.