ROBERT PIERCE

   • Leader & Times

Some major progress has been made on a local bridge project in Seward County.

Tuesday, Administrator April Warden issued a press release saying the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill had been approved, and as part of that legislation, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran secured $2,378 million for the Massoni Bridge project.

“The funding has been awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP) and will be administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) before distributed for the project,” Warden said.

Warden said the funding represents significant progress for a project that has been years in the making and is critical to the future of transportation in Seward County.

“The replacement of the Massoni Bridge will improve safety, strengthen regional infrastructure and provide long-term benefits for local residents, producers, industry partners and emergency responders who rely on this important crossing,” she said.

Warden said Moran is expected to visit Seward County later this summer, and additional information regarding the project timeline and next steps will be shared as it becomes available.

“This announcement marks an important milestone for Seward County and reflects a continued investment in the safety, transportation infrastructure and economic vitality of the region,” Warden said.