Bridge replacement in Barber Co. delayed to August

KIOWA, Kan. (KSNW) – A bridge replacement in Barber County has been delayed.

Work to replace the bridge on Kansas Highway 2 just east of U.S. Highway 281 had been scheduled to begin on July 1. However, the Kansas Department of Transportation says it has now been delayed until Aug. 5.

KDOT did not specify a reason for the delay. However, on July 1, an oil well blowout happened west of Kiowa near K-2 between 281 and North Star Road.

Because of a lack of paved county roads between U.S. 281 and Kiowa, when K-2 closes on Aug. 5, it will create a 30-mile detour. Through traffic will be diverted to Kansas Highway 8 into Oklahoma, down to Kansas Highway 11, then from K-11 to U.S. 281 back into Kansas.

The closest east-west highway north of K-2 is U.S. Highway 160, nearly 17 miles to the north, compared to Oklahoma Highway 11, which is about 8 miles south of Kiowa. Due to safety, weight, and maintenance concerns, KDOT uses state highways for all detours.

Hesston-based King Construction Co. Inc. is the primary contractor for the $2,721,900 project. Work is expected to be completed in March 2025.

To view an interactive map of all current and upcoming road projects across the state, visit KanDrive.gov .

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