Saline County approves $950,000 Syria Road reconstruction, county to shoulder $735,000 share

Saline County on Oct. 21 approved a full‑depth pavement reconstruction of Syria Road from K‑4 Highway east to Elevator Avenue after a briefing from county engineer Justin Mader.

Mader described existing conditions in the project area inside the city limits — widespread pavement failures affecting roughly 15–20% of the asphalt, numerous prior utility cuts, and steep cross slopes that in places exceed 10 percent. The proposed work would lower the road profile to correct excessive cross slopes, preserve existing curb, gutter and sidewalks, and construct a new pavement section with geogrid reinforcement, 6 inches of aggregate base and 6 inches of hot‑mix asphalt. The reconstruction length is roughly 2,600 feet and will require phased construction to maintain property access.

Mader said the estimated total project cost is $950,000. He described the county’s cost share at about $735,000 and the city’s share at $215,000. Saline County staff has applied for a KDOT cost‑share grant (applications in 2023 and 2024); Mader said the county expects word on the latest application in November or December but noted the city is willing to proceed whether or not outside funding arrives. The county would design the project, perform inspection and administer construction; the city would reimburse the county for its portion outside the center 24 feet and for city utility adjustments.

Mayor Maggie Reeves of Syria addressed the commission during public comment, saying the city and residents want the project completed "whether we get the grant or not." "It's really, really bad," Reeves said of the street condition and urged the commission to move forward.

The commission voted to approve the project and the county‑city agreement (RFA 2025‑1‑44). Mader estimated construction would occur in 2027 if the timetable holds.