The City of Bel Aire posted an update on its official Facebook page indicating that work on the troubled one‑mile section of Woodlawn Street will resume next week. The project, which has been stalled since 2021, is finally moving forward after the Kansas Department of Transportation (K‑DOT) completed soil‑sample analysis needed for additional stabilization.
Why the delay?
Originally slated for a 360‑day timeline with a projected completion date in the summer of 2023, the road work ran into significant ground‑settlement issues. Shifts in the underlying soil forced the city to return to the drawing board and develop a new reconstruction plan. The city has also filed lawsuits against the contractors responsible for the original work, seeking accountability for the costly setbacks.
Impact on local residents and businesses
Local business owners and families have felt the strain of the prolonged construction. Ashley Woods, manager of Heartland Animal Hospital, said traffic and reduced accessibility slowed business activity when the project began five years ago. “It did kind of slow things down a little bit but I think now the community is so used to it, it’s like, okay, this is our life now,” Woods said, adding that residents are eager for the work to be finished.
Paul Dent, who lives across the street from the animal hospital, described the daily inconvenience of rerouted traffic. “It’s hard to even back out of your driveway, because there’s a constant flow of cars, especially during morning and evening rush hours,” he explained.
For families with young children, the construction has also affected school transportation. Krislyn Adams, a Bel Aire resident with a kindergartner, noted that the bus stop was moved down Woodlawn to 39th Street, requiring a roughly half‑mile walk to the new stop. “I’m anxious about the winter months and the walk,” Adams said. “Kids can’t go straight down here at the end of Quailridge because they have to cross the street, and that isn’t safe.”
Looking ahead
The city expects the road to be fully reopened by September of next year, assuming no further unforeseen soil issues arise. Officials emphasized that the renewed effort reflects a commitment to restoring safe, reliable transportation for Bel Aire’s families and businesses.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s official communication channels, including the Facebook page, for real‑time updates on traffic patterns and any additional road closures.
Community response
While the prolonged construction has tested patience, many locals expressed optimism that the completion of the project will bring lasting benefits. “We’re very excited for it to be over,” Woods said, echoing a sentiment shared by many who have endured the inconvenience.
City officials remain focused on completing the work efficiently and safely, reinforcing Bel Aire’s dedication to maintaining essential infrastructure for its growing community.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
