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Atchison City Comm. Get Amelia Bridge Update

By David Meyer

03/20/2012

The first week in September is the target date to have traffic on the new Amelia Earhart Bridge.

K-DOT Construction Engineer Michelle Anschutz gave Atchison City Commissioners an update on the project in Monday’s regular monthly meeting.

She also says at that same time that 4th street south at the foot of the Kansas side of the bridge will open, but fourth street north will close to traffic.

They hope to have both of those lanes functional by October.

KDOT has a goal to get the bridge to four lanes in January or February 2013 and be entirely finished with the new bridge and deconstruction of the old bridge by April of 2013.

However, as of now, she says the four lanes would merge to two as you go into the Missouri side due to MO-DOT’s lack of funding.

Anschutz says the Missouri side will not have lights as of now either on the new bridge.

In other business, Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance that would create a reservation system for the four unused city ball fields.

City Manager Trey Cocking explains the process citizens can use.

(Play Audio) RT: :26

Commissioners also unanimously passed the lowering of pool admission fees from two dollars to one.

They accepted the bid for Kearney Construction for the 2012 curb and sidewalk replacement program.

They also heard a presentation from utilities director Mike Mathews continuing the discussion on what it may take for homeowners to disconnect downspouts and potential ordinance in the future to require disconnection.

Mathews describes a draft his department plans to present to the commission at some point.

(Audio Continues) RT: :50

They estimate homeowner downspout installation could be as low as 27 dollars before tax, unless if you have a foundation drain.

City Manager Trey Cocking says there are reasons on why it could be in the homeowner’s hands.

(Audio Continues) RT: :25

More information on this topic can be found at city of atchison dot com under city government, then utilities, then storm water.