Interactive map launches for I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct project in Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT) - State transportation officials are encouraging Topekans to use a new online resource to keep track of the latest updates with a major road project on I-70.

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) revealed the new map feature on social media in March. The map gives users the ability to view utility relocation project locations and check for the latest updates on the I-70 Polk-Quincy project designs.

Relocation work is ongoing around the project area for local sewer, storm sewer and water utilities. The area this is taking place in includes I-70 from MacVicar Avenue to Sixth Street for the removal or replacement of around 12,600 square yards of pavement, more than 7,000 feet of sanitary sewer, around 2,600 feet of storm sewer and just over 6,000 feet of water lines.

Six utility projects are listed on the interactive map as Projects 2-6, all coming with their own separate road closures and detours. These include:

• Project 2 (completed)
  • Nov. 2023 - Jan. 2024
  • Targeted water line "A" at West First Avenue
• Project 3
  • March 2024 - Nov. 2024
  • First Street closure between Polk Street and I-70
• Project 4
  • March 2024 - Jan. 2025
  • Relocation work of various sanitary sewers. More information on detours and traffic impacts to be posted at a later date.
• Project 5
  • March 2024 - Jan. 2025
  • Closures include Second Street between Harrison Street and Kansas Avenue, Third Street between Kansas Avenue and Monroe Street and Kansas Avenue between First Avenue and Third Avenue.
• Project 6
  • March 2024 - Jan. 2025
  • Closure at Second Street and Madison Street.
• Project 7
  • March 2024 - June 2024
  • Relocation of sanitary sewers. More information on detours and traffic impacts to be posted at a later date.

Currently, the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project is at its mid-point with utility relocation work expected to last into the spring of 2025. Actual construction of the viaduct itself isn't slated to start until the same year.

Topeka's Polk-Quincy Viaduct was built in the late 1950's and has slowly deteriorated over the years, according to the project's website. This, combined with increased traffic volumes, resulted in the push for improvements to be made on the viaduct in an effort to improve safety and ease traffic congestion.

To learn more about upcoming utility relocation projects by the City of Topeka, click here. To access and use the new map feature, click here.

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