OSBORNE COUNTY, KS – A critical stretch of northern Kansas highway is once again open to traffic. On Thursday, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced that U.S. Highway 281 has officially reopened between the city of Portis and the U.S. Highway 24 junction.
The 3.5-mile section of the highway had been closed to through traffic since last March to undergo extensive reconstruction. The project, which carried a price tag of nearly $19 million, is part of the state’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).
Major Improvements and Upgrades
The yearlong closure allowed crews to complete several significant infrastructure upgrades designed to improve safety and longevity for motorists:
- Roadway Reconstruction: The highway was completely rebuilt and widened to a 30-foot paved surface.
- Shoulder Enhancements: New 3-foot turf shoulders were added to the stretch.
- Bridge Replacement: The aging bridge over the North Fork Solomon River was replaced as part of the modernization effort.
Final Work Remaining
While the highway is now open to unrestricted traffic, KDOT noted that the project is not yet 100% complete. Motorists may still see crews in the area as they finish final paving and striping work. These remaining tasks are scheduled to be completed without requiring further full closures of the roadway.
The primary contractor for the modernization project was King Construction of Hesston. Local officials and KDOT representatives expressed appreciation for the public’s patience during the nearly 10-month detour.
