Bridge Between Udall And Belle Plaine Will Close Around Sept. 12 For Replacement

Work is expected to begin around Sept. 12 on a nearly $8.23 million bridge replacement on K-55 between Belle Plaine and Udall.

During the construction, the bridge will be closed, and signs will direct traffic to a detour to the north of K-55 on state highways. From the west, the detour route from K-55 will be north on U.S. 81 to K-53, east on K-53 to K-15 and south on K-15. 

The Kansas Department of Transportation project involves replacement, including grading and surfacing, of the K-55 bridge over the Arkansas River. The bridge is 7.6 miles east of U.S. 81 in Sumner County.

The new bridge is expected to open to traffic in October of 2023.

The new bridge will be wider, with the addition of 8-foot shoulders. The bridge being replaced was built in 1933.

A.M. Cohron & Son Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa, is the primary contractor for the $8,227,018 project.