Midwest Energy Crews Busy on Hays Roundabout Projects

One of the biggest construction projects in Hays in decades is well underway, and Midwest Energy crews are playing a big role in the project, relocating gas lines, underground electric lines, street lights and power poles along the route. 

Construction to improve the North Vine Street Corridor (also known as US Highway 183) between 32nd/33rd Streets and 41st Street began in June.  Prior to that, stakers and engineers spent months surveying and planning for impacts to the Midwest Energy electric and gas systems.  

The $13.1 million project, paid for with a $6 million federal grant and $7 million from the city's capital improvement account (funded by the transient guest tax) is not without controversy, with some city residents questioning the need for roundabouts.  Some businesses raised concerns over restricted access during construction, as well as losing small parts of land to the project. 

Construction is scheduled to run thru fall 2021 in eight phases.  Smoky Hill LLC of Salina is the main contractor on the project.  Details on the roundabout project can be found here.