(MANHATTAN, Kan. – June 21, 2022) — South Manhattan Avenue will be closed to all traffic from Fort Riley Boulevard to Wildcat Creek beginning Tuesday, July 5.

The closure will be in place for approximately 60 days to allow for work on the levee crossing in this location, with reopening expected in early September.

This work includes the relocation of utilities and installation of a sandbag sill that will allow for more rapid protection of the City during flood fights, as well as improved stability for the levee system.

Through traffic, including all traffic to the Riley County Transfer Station at 1881 Henton Road, will be detoured along Fort Riley Boulevard to South Rosencutter Road and Moehlman Road.

Pottawatomie Avenue also will be closed at South Manhattan. Access for local traffic and businesses on Pottawatomie will be from the east via 10th Street.

Griffith Park will remain open to public access from South Manhattan Avenue.

Pedestrians and cyclists wishing to access the Linear Trail at South Manhattan Avenue for travel across the bridge and to the west will be allowed to traverse the construction zone in designated areas.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be required to follow the designated pathway for their safety. Some limited interruptions to their access should be anticipated during the construction period. The trailhead parking area at South Manhattan Avenue and Pottawatomie Avenue will be closed during this period.

Work on the levee system is proceeding according to schedule, with substantial work already begun on earthwork, utility relocations, and relief well installation.

Questions regarding the Manhattan levee project and road closures can be directed to Bill Heatherman at bill.heatherman@cityofmhk.com.

More information about the City can be found online at www.cityofmhk.com, or by following the City on Facebook @cityofmanhattan or Twitter @cityofmhk.