Waterman is now open to two-way traffic between Main and Topeka.

Waterman from Topeka to Emporia is tentatively scheduled to be open to traffic by the end of January, as construction progresses to the east.

Reconstruction of Waterman, from Main to just west of Washington, began in May 2007 and is projected to be completed by April 2008, with relocation of overhead utilities to new underground ducts. The $6.8 Million project provides improved storm water drainage to serve the Arena site and includes a segment of 48-inch water transmission line. The project also includes pavement reconstruction, traffic signals, street lighting and landscaping.

Sedgwick County contributed $1.1 Million for storm water drainage related to the arena, and the phone, cable and electric utilities contributed $825,000 for shared ducts and related work.

The new Waterman will provide two, wider lanes in each direction, with a center left-turn lane east of the railroad overpass. On-street parking along Waterman will be eliminated to allow for wider street and sidewalks. Trees and pedestrian lighting will be incorporated into the sidewalk areas.

St. Francis will remain closed from William to Waterman for Arena construction. Temporary 2-way traffic has been established on St. Francis from Dewey to Waterman, to provide access to area businesses on Commerce and St Francis south of Waterman during construction.

Waterman Project Includes Temporary Access to Transit Office

To get to the Transit administration/maintenance facility from City hall, take Washington south under the Kellogg overpass. At the first traffic light (Orme), turn right/west. Follow Orme west until it dead ends at Mead. Turn right/north on Mead and follow the blacktop road into Wichita Transit's employee parking lot. Proceed through the parking lot and to the right, around the east side of the building to the front of the building and the visitor parking lot. View the map showing the route.

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