The newly widened and improved Central under I-235 reopened to full traffic on August 15th - more than two months ahead of schedule. The $3 million project began on March 31, 2008 and was originally scheduled to be completed in October. Left-turn lanes in each direction were extended to relieve congestion, improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents.
A ceremonial ribbon-cutting will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 22 at the former Farm Bureau claims office, 5803 West Central (immediately west of I-235).
“Getting this improvement project completed early is especially gratifying because it was developed by our own in-house engineering staff instead of consultants.” City Engineer, Jim Armour said. “By using our own staff, we saved the taxpayers money and created a safer and more efficient intersection. Completing this project ahead of schedule has been an extraordinary accomplishment by all involved from concept through construction.”
The project included removal of the medians on Central beneath I-235; excavating and reinforcing the I-235 abutments on both sides of Central to create space for additional lanes; construction of storm sewer lines; new pavement on Central and adding a right turn lane on the northbound I-235 exit ramp. New traffic signals were also installed.
During construction, traffic on Central was limited to one lane in each direction and access to side streets and I-235 ramps was limited at times.
“Central and I-235 has been a notorious bottleneck for a long time,” City Traffic Engineer Paul Gunzelman said. “The nearly 30,000 drivers who pass through here each day will notice a big difference.”
Back to Top