Crews have picked up the last of the orange cones and removed the final barricades.
The construction at 21st and Maize is finally over. Since late March, drivers have been dealing with headaches, or just avoiding the area altogether.
The $2.2 million improvement project added medians and double left turn lanes in all directions. City traffic engineers say it will ease traffic congestion at the city's fifth busiest intersection.
"Like any construction project, it's got to get worse before it gets better, so right now we're at the better stage," said traffic engineer Steve Degenhardt.Degenhardt said the project was fairly simple and the lack of rain this summer helped crews finish six weeks ahead of schedule. The early completion resulted in a $60,000 bonus for contractor Kansas Paving.
"It was very critical to get this open before the holiday season," Degenhardt said.
At least two businesses on the southeast corner shut down during the construction. Randy King, owner of Hair and Shampoo Center, said his business took a 30% plunge during the construction.
"It is a relief now to have people drive by and actually come in our store," King said.
Customers started returning last weekend, shortly after the intersection fully reopened. King said it may take 4-6 weeks to return to normal, but he's hoping it will all be worth it in the end.
