U.S. 169 will allow southbound traffic between Minnesota and Hawaii roads once the road reconstruction project enters its second phase at the end of this week.
On Tuesday, the Register reported the new phase, which will include the closure of 169 between Hawaii Road (the Humboldt turnoff) and Delaware, or Tank Farm Road, south of Humboldt.
At the same time, the highway will be opened to traffic north of Hawaii Road, Kansas Department of Transportation spokeswoman Priscilla Peterson said. Southbound motorists must exit at Hawaii Road. Tuesday?s article stated only northbound traffic would be allowed along that stretch.
The state?s official detour reroutes traffic from U.S. 169 to U.S. 75 along U.S. 54 from Iola, then back to 169 along K-39 Highway at Chanute.
Most local motorists, however, opt for a shorter diversion, utilizing Old 169 or 1100 Street, from Iola to Humboldt.
Weather permitting the changeover should begin sometime late Friday, Peterson said.
The highway has been closed from Minnesota to Hawaii roads since early this spring.
The project should be complete next spring.
