Massive $239 million I-70 project in Topeka starts soon, what to know

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Work crews are gearing up for one of the largest highway construction projects in the Capital City in recent history with a price tag of more than $200 million.

27 News reached out to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for an update on the massive ongoing Polk-Quincy Viaduct project this week. The project has been years in the making and is expected to cause big changes for the city's drivers who use I-70 or Topeka Boulevard.

Kate Craft with KDOT provided answers to 27 News' information request regarding what people can expect over the next three years. With multiple phases and a price tag in the hundreds of millions, Topekans will need to consider how their daily commutes will change before the project begins in the spring of 2025.

What is the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project?

"The I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct project is a multi-phase project that is expected to begin in early 2025 and be complete in late 2027, conditions permitting," Craft said. "The 2.5-mile project extends from approximately MacVicar Ave. to 6^th Ave."

• Phase one - demolition of properties in the way of the viaduct, archaeological survey and relocation of utilities. Lasted from summer 2022 to summer 2024.
• Phase two - pavement maintenance and bridge deck patching on seven bridges along the highway in downtown Topeka. Lasted from 2022 to 2023.
• Phase three - construction on the viaduct, I-70 and Fourth Street bridges begin. Set to start in early 2025.

KDOT hopes to replace the viaduct, built in the late 1950's, to help bring down traffic congestion and improve safety on the highway in Topeka. Engineers evaluating the old viaduct concluded its condition has deteriorated over the years while traffic volumes have risen, requiring these changes to be made.

Craft said workers with Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc. and Koss Construction Co., both based out of Topeka, will be handling the massive undertaking in a joint effort. The total price tag associated with the project sits at $239 million.

Work crews will move I-70 200 feet to the north to help flatten its curve at Third Street and expand I-70 to six lanes from MacVicar Avenue to Topeka Boulevard. Significant preparation work has gone into the project so far with multiple buildings around and beneath the viaduct being demolished and permanent changes being made to some local streets to accommodate the finished product.

Craft said the final scheduling details for each of the major phases of the project are still generalized in late 2024 with more specific information to be provided prior to work starting in 2025. She summarized the goals KDOT has from 2025 to 2027 for the project and what big changes drivers can expect moving forward.

2025

Workers will focus on building the new viaduct and widening I-70 west to MacVicar during this period starting in the spring. The highway will still be open to traffic but will be taken down to one lane in each direction from MacVicar Avenue to Fourth Street.

Craft said First Street will close permanently at Polk Street and Harrison Street with new on and off-ramps to I-70 connecting directly to Topeka Boulevard by the time the project is completed. Topeka Boulevard will be one lane in each direction between Third Street and the Topeka Boulevard bridge over the Kansas River.

"These lanes will be closed to through traffic and will only provide access to westbound I-70 via the 1^st St. on-ramp," Craft said. "Through traffic will use Kansas Ave. or alternate routes."

2026

Bettis and Koch work crews will turn their focus to connecting the highway to the new viaduct during this timeframe. Drivers will be unable to use I-70 between Topeka Boulevard and Eighth Street from early spring to late fall in 2026.

• The First Street exit from eastbound I-70 will stay open along with the First Street on-ramp to westbound I-70.
• The Eighth Street and 10th Street exits from westbound I-70 will stay open.
• Trucks and other drivers will be detoured to I-470 or recommended to use alternative routes through the city.
• Topeka Boulevard will be opened to traffic.
• Kansas Avenue will be shut down between First Street and Third Street with traffic being moved to Topeka Boulevard or other routes.

2027

Craft said work will move to finishing the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project on west I-70 and the local city street network in 2027. The highway and the viaduct will be reopened but in a reduced state with traffic being down to one lane in each direction on the new eastbound lanes during the construction season. All lanes on the highway and the newly built viaduct are set to be open by the end of 2027.

Looking ahead

KDOT will invite Topekans to an informational open house sometime in early 2025. People will be able to learn more about the project, its construction schedule and meet with the project team at this meeting.

Craft said work on the viaduct may change due to weather and other issues, which may impact the schedule. People curious about the project can follow along with its progress on Facebook or X or check out an online interactive map. You can learn more about the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project and its history by clicking here, by calling 785-228-3308 or by sending an email to info@polkquincy.org.

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