Abilene Approves $340,000 Local Share for K-15 Pavement Restoration Project Near Interstate

The Abilene City Commission authorized the mayor and city staff to execute a project programming request for a K-15 pavement restoration project under the KDOT City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP) for fiscal year 2029.

Public Works Director Brad Anderson said the project runs from the north city limits, roughly at 2400 Avenue, through the underpass of the interstate to the eastbound on and off ramps. The total site project estimate is about $1.84 million, with KDOT funding on a 90/10 split of $1.5 million. The city's estimated share is approximately $340,652, which covers the amount above the $1.5 million award plus projected inflation.

Anderson said the project was approved after a second application for a Fifth-through-A-Street surface preservation project was denied. He credited the interstate intersection with providing "pulling power" for approval. Commissioners noted the roadway is an arterial route into town that carries daily grain truck traffic from Nebraska.

Commissioner Kolhoff said he would like the city's exposure kept closer to 10% and questioned priorities, but Anderson and Quinday noted the city is already required to maintain the roadway under a connecting links agreement with KDOT, for which it receives about $36,000 a year. Quinday said the city retains the option to reject all bids after KDOT's bid letting, tentatively scheduled for March 2028. The paperwork had to be returned to the state by September 1. The commission approved the request unanimously among members present.