Expect delays on K-7 from Kansas Avenue to Riverview Avenue

The K-7 construction project from Kansas Avenue to Riverview Avenue is expected to cause traffic delays. (KDOT illustration)

Northbound and southbound K-7 left lanes from south of Kansas Avenue to north of Riverview Avenue will be closed around the clock for pavement reconstruction beginning after morning rush hour on Tuesday, May 27.

The work will continue through late August 2014, weather permitting, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The I-70 to southbound K-7 double-left-turn lane movement will be reduced to one open left-turn lane throughout the project duration, KDOT officials said.

This construction work is part of Phase 1 of the K-7 and I-70 Interchange Project in Wyandotte County.

Initial work includes the construction of median crossovers as traffic will eventually be placed one lane each direction, side by side, onto the existing southbound lanes while the northbound lanes are reconstructed, and then traffic will be shifted onto the new northbound lanes while the southbound lanes are reconstructed.

Traffic will be directed through the project work zone via signage and cones. There will be a 50 mph posted speed limit and 12-foot lane width restriction through the project work zone throughout the project duration. Drivers should expect major delays during peak commutes and should allow extra time for their daily commutes.

Updated daily traffic information for this project and for the entire Kansas City metro area can be viewed online any time at: www.ksdot.org/kcmetro/laneclose.asp.

The K-7 and I-70 Interchange Project construction information for Phases 1 and 2A-2B, including phasing schedule and traffic impacts, is available online at: http://www.ksdot.org/kcMetro/pdf/K-7%20and%20I-70%20Phase%202B%20Project%20Handout.pdf.

Clarkson Construction is the project contractor on this $18 million construction Phase 1 project. This portion of the project work is scheduled to be completed in late fall 2014.

KCK student accepts commission in Marines

A Kansas City, Kan., student at the University of Kansas has been commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.

2nd Lt. Edward Stimac of Kansas City, Kan., is an accounting and information systems major who recently graduated from KU.

Members of the Army, Air Force, Naval Reserve and Marines ROTC programs at the University of Kansas, as well as officer candidates, were commissioned in a joint ceremony May 19. Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little attended the event to recognize the students.

The six Navy-option and two Marine-option NROTC students were commissioned by Brig. Gen. John Simmons, commanding general of Training Command, Quantico, Va., at the ceremony, which was May 19. More than 200 people attended the event.

Commissioning was the culmination of a long training path for these former midshipmen.

During his commencement address, Simmons expressed words of encouragement, and he discussed leadership and the future responsibilities of the officers. He described the oath and offered words of wisdom garnered over his vast career experience.

Simmons administered the oath of office to the group of new officers from all four military branches simultaneously.

Commanding officers presenting the commissions were Lt. Col. Storm Reynolds, professor of military science; Lt. Col. Brian Salmans, professor of aerospace studies; and Capt. David Schweizer, professor of naval science. The chancellor and senior vice provost of academic affairs, Sara Rosen, were distinguished guests.

Catron graduates from basic training

Airman Sarah Catron
Air Force Airman Sarah L. Catron graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Catron is the daughter of Michelle and Larry Catron of Bonner Springs.
She is a 2013 graduate of Bonner Springs High School.