U.S. 166 to close east of Baxter Springs next week

Starting Tuesday, March 8, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to close U.S. 166 at the intersection with 5 Mile Avenue east of Baxter Springs.

Traffic should follow the signed state route detour on U.S. 400 and U.S. 69A. The closure will remain in effect until this summer. U.S. 166 traffic will be shifted to two 12-foot lanes south of the K-26 junction, with a speed limit reduction of 55 miles per hour.

KDOT is expanding U.S. 166 to four lanes and constructing two interchanges from U.S. 400 southeast to the Kansas-Missouri state line.

Updates will be provided on closures and detours as work on the project continues. The expanded U.S. 166 alignment and interchanges should be open to traffic by late May 2024, weather permitting.

KDOT awarded the construction contract of $54.8 million to Emery Sapp & Sons of Kansas City, Mo.

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Construction Engineer Kyler Farmer, (620) 308-7617, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road condition and construction details.