The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office told KSOK-NewsCow Wednesday morning it has received numerous complaints of commercial traffic driving in violation of county resolutions to avoid the bridge construction on U.S. 166.
These include taking County Road 41st better known as Lover’s Lane to U.S. 77. Cowley County Sheriff David Falletti said his office will be strictly enforcing any violations.
The West Madison Ave. Bridge – over the Arkansas River on U.S. 166 highway – closed in November for a months-long bridge replacement project. Work began in January.
Total cost for the Kansas Dept. of Transportation project is just under $6.4 million. Iowa-based A.M. Cohron & Son Inc., which lists a location in Emporia, submitted that bid and is general contractor for the project.
The company specializes in bridge construction. They will have 250 working days to complete the project and traffic is likely to be affected for up to a year-and-a-half.
The bridge crosses the Arkansas River west of Ark City on 166. It’s about five miles east of the Cowley-Sumner County line. The official detour route is U.S. 160 through Wellington for motorists wanting to travel on I-35.
