Kansas Highway 14 Faces Major Detour as Railroad Crossing Repairs Begin

Drivers Brace for Delays Along Key State Route

Breaking Now News has learned that significant repairs to a railroad crossing on Kansas Highway 14 will force a detour starting next week. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) confirmed the project will impact traffic for approximately three days near the McPherson County line.

What Travelers Need to Know

• Location: Railroad crossing 1.5 miles east of Roxbury
• Timeline: Work begins Monday, June 12 at 7:00 AM (weather permitting)
• Detour Route: Kansas Highway 4 to Kansas Highway 15
• Impact: Adds ~15 minutes to typical travel times

Why This Repair Matters

The crossing has developed dangerous surface irregularities according to KDOT inspectors. "We're seeing significant wear that could damage vehicles or even cause loss of control," explained project manager Alicia Rivers. "This preventive maintenance will ultimately save taxpayers money by avoiding emergency repairs later."

Local Business Concerns

Several Roxbury merchants expressed worry about the economic impact. "That detour takes travelers completely around our town," said Diane's Diner owner Mark Williamson. "We're asking customers to make the extra effort to visit us during the closure."

What Do You Think?

• Should railroads be financially responsible for 100% of crossing maintenance costs?
• Are these short-term closures worth the long-term safety benefits?
• Do detours unfairly impact small towns along alternate routes?
• Would you support higher taxes for faster infrastructure repairs?
• Is the 15-minute detour reasonable or an unacceptable inconvenience?