On August 19, the Ottawa City Commission awarded a $465,750 contract to Gunter Construction of Kansas City to replace the traffic signals at 15th and Main, which are thought to date to the late 1970s. The city already bought the signal equipment for a little over $115,000.

The project also adds curb ramps and sidewalk along 15th Street's north side between Main and the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail. Utilities Director Scott Snethen said work will wait until after the tractor and car shows, with an early October start in view. It should take about 90 days.

At the same meeting, City Manager Thatcher Moddie announced a $926,000 KDOT grant for sidewalks on Princeton Circle Drive and Princeton Street. It covers 80% of estimated costs, and the local share is projected at $231,303.

For details, see KOFO's reports on the contract, the sidewalk grant and the start date, and the August 19 commission minutes.