Woodlawn construction on ‘short delay’. This isn’t first time it’s been paused
Construction on Woodlawn in Bel Aire has been halted for the second time since renovations began in 2021.
Bel Aire began construction on Woodlawn from 37th Street North, which is right on the border of Wichita, to 45th North on April 20. This was related to a 2021 project that was set to be completed three years ago but was halted because the northbound lane showed “signs of sinking, buckling and tearing,” Nick Bishop, Bel Aire’s public relations and communications director, told The Wichita Eagle in April.
After Professional Engineering Consultants held an investigation and presented its findings to the city, the project plans were approved by the Kansas Department of Transportation in fall 2025. Construction officially began again April 20.
Now work has been halted again.
“Since the reconstruction of Woodlawn began on April 20, Phase One excavation has been completed. During this work, crews encountered conditions that will require additional evaluation and treatment, resulting in a short delay,” Bel Aire shared in its Facebook post.
The post did not say specifically what the problem was. The Eagle asked the city and hasn’t heard back.
Bishop told The Eagle that the city expects the delay to be a short one as “the contractor and KDOT evaluate the conditions.”
“We are working to resume construction as soon as possible,” he said.
How long was the Woodlawn construction supposed to take?
The project is split into four phases, with the first phase focused on Quail Ridge Street to Rodeo Street. The other three phases are:
- Rodeo Street to Woodlawn Court, lasting five months.
- Woodlawn Court to 45th Street, lasting five months.
- Quail Ridge Street to 37th Street, lasting two months.
The construction was expected to be completed in summer 2027. It’s unclear how this delay will affect the anticipated finishing date.
