An earthen slide that happened in the Spring of 2017 is prompting officials to shut down a popular camp ground at an area lake this coming summer.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the earthen slide caused damage to the steep foundation under an existing road. As a result, entry traffic was reduced to 1-lane and exiting traffic was detoured while they researched funding and repair options. The Federal Highway Administration has awarded the Wilson Lake Project a grant to assist with funding repairs to the Lucas Park Entrance Road.
Surveying of the area was recently completed and engineers are designing a repair strategy for construction. Following the development of a repair plan, a contract will be advertised and then awarded.
Due to the uncertainty of when the contract will be completed and when a construction crew will mobilize, they have elected to block camping reservations for Lucas Park from May 15th through September 15th, 2019. Camping will still be allowed on a first-come first-serve basis until construction begins.
Once construction has commenced, all traffic to Lucas Park will be closed until the repairs are completed.
They hope that all repairs are completed in a timely manner to minimize the impact on the recreation season.
—
ORIGINAL: Officials continue to monitor earthen slides that occurred last year at Wilson Lake on the entrance to Lucas Park.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the exit lane to the Lucas Park entrance suffered shoulder damage from the earthen slides and is closed for public safety. The park remains open for camping and tourism.
Traffic has been rerouted through a one-way road. Drivers are advised to follow the detour signs, reduce speeds and be cautious while entering and exiting this temporary roadway.
Wilson Lake project staff and geotechnical engineers from the Kansas City District Office continue to monitor the earthen slides routinely.
The Corps has requested additional funding for road repairs and hopes to complete the project in 2019.
