Work will begin the week of June 1 to reconstruct U.S. 54 through the heart of Iola in Allen County, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
The scope of the work includes:
- Reconstructing Madison Avenue (U.S. 54) and its sidewalks from near State Street to east of Kentucky Street;
- Reducing traffic lanes from four to three over about a dozen blocks (from Sycamore Street east to Kentucky), with eastbound and westbound lanes and a center turn lane;
- Widening most sidewalks to 8 feet;
- Adding pedestrian friendly elements from Walnut Street to Sycamore.
Madison will remain open to two-way traffic as construction progresses, although vehicles crossing or turning onto Madison will face restrictions in work zones.
The project is divided into two segments with five total phases. The first segment is expected to be completed in October, conditions permitting. The entire project is expected to be completed by September 2027.
The first segment relates to rebuilding Madison from State east to Buckeye. The first phase will rebuild the north half of Madison, and the second phase will rebuild the south half.
- During the first phase, southbound traffic will not have access to Madison. Northbound traffic may join Madison by turning right.
- During the second phase, northbound traffic will not have access to Madison. Southbound traffic may join Madison by turning right.
More details will be shared when work on the second segment begins.
Bettis Asphalt and Construction Inc., of Topeka, is the primary contractor on the $12,250,137.64 project. About one third of the project relating to pedestrian and bicycle paths is funded in part by a $4,236,812 KDOT Multimodal Project grant to Iola. Governor Laura Kelly and KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed announced the multimodal grants in 2024.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.
