Soon U.S. 169 between Iola and Humboldt will be closed to traffic for as long as 18 months while the highway is rebuilt.
That will create problems for through traffic, but be of lesser concern for those who live and own businesses in Iola, Humboldt and Yates Center.
KDOT has designated the official detour as U.S. 54, Iola to Yates Center, then U.S. 75 to K-39, which ties in with Chanute. A disadvantage for motorists who choose to follow KDOTs recommendation will be having their drives lengthened by about 40 miles.
Meanwhile, most local folks know they can hop onto old U.S. 169, the back way between Iola and Humboldt and on to Chanute that many have used for years.
Over time, and probably a very short span, anyone who journeys north-south through this area will learn about the shorter route and adopt it until reconstruction of the main highway is completed.
When the U.S. 169 bypass of Iola and Humboldt opened in 1981, Allen County was given responsibility to maintain the old highway. During the intervening time it has been patched and swathed in chip-and-seal a number of times.
But it was conceived nearly a century ago when standards werent nearly as comprehensive as todays. The roadway is situated on a more narrow pathway and its doubtful its underlying base is as substantial as todays.
The portion that runs through Humboldt was overlaid with asphalt just last year, a benefit when daily use perks up.
However, there are no two ways about it: The road will take a beating as traffic increases, and very likely with much more heavy truck traffic. (Truckers are known to ferret out shortcuts on the quick.)
To know what that increase will be, traffic counters have been placed at strategic points along the road; it would bode well for Neosho County to do the same.
KDOT officials have made no promises, but strongly hinted if damage is significant the state will help with repairs.
While the whole road will take a beating, some places may be more at risk, and more of a hazard: Notably at the old railroad viaduct just south of Iola; where heavy trucks turn onto and off the road south of Monarch Cement Companys quarry; and the sharp curve near the Elk Club north of Chanute.
Speed limits should be enforced vigorously. Already the limit is 45 for a mile or so south of Iola and from the top of Humboldt Hill to accommodate activity at a Monarch quarry and into Humboldt. The remainder is posted at 55, and driving much faster on any of the road would be unwise because of its configuration and, it being more rural than U.S. 169, having deer and smaller animals often dart across and challenge oncoming motorists.
Even though there are concerns about rerouting of traffic, either by way of U.S. 54 or the older highway, the detours provide opportunities for commercial up-ticks for retailers. That will be more so in Iola, but also will add to the number of vehicles that flow through Humboldt and Yates Center.
Any motorist is apt to stop at an intriguing store and who doesnt look for a break at a museum or park or find a local eatery enticing.
