Eastbound Lewis and Clark Viaduct bridge repair project begins Saturday

A bridge repair project will begin on the eastbound I-70 Lewis and Clark Viaduct in Wyandotte County, Kansas, and Jackson County, Missouri, on Saturday, Oct. 16, weather permitting, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The KDOT project includes joint and deck repairs and requires roadway and ramp closures in both Kansas and Missouri.

The first phase of the project, to include signing and pavement marking improvements, total closure of eastbound I-670 at I-35, from Wyoming Street to Oak Street and total closure of the southbound I-35 exit ramp to eastbound I-670 in Kansas City, Missouri. Work will take place from 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, until approximately 5 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 18.

During this initial phase of work, Oct. 16–18, eastbound I-670 traffic will be detoured to southbound I-35. Motorists are encouraged to follow southbound I-35 to the Broadway Boulevard/27th Street exit, turn around and travel onto northbound I-35 to access eastbound I-670.

Beginning Oct. 23, for the duration of the project, all eastbound I-70 entrance ramps in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, will be closed, including Minnesota Avenue-Fourth Street, Washington Boulevard and Fairfax Trafficway. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Westbound I-70 will remain open, including ramps at Minnesota Avenue-Fourth Street, Washington Boulevard and Fairfax Trafficway. The Central Avenue bridge is closed indefinitely and does not provide access across the Kansas River.

The signed detour will begin on eastbound I-70 after 18th Street and traffic will be directed to use I-670.

Motorists continuing eastbound on I-70, after the I-670 split, can exit at:
• Seventh Street,
• Pacific Avenue,
• Central Avenue,
• Fifth Street or
• Third Street-James Street.

Motorists leaving downtown Kansas City, Kansas, can:
• access eastbound I-70 at 18th Street, and use the I-670 detour,
• access I-670 at Central Avenue and
• cross at North James Street to access Kansas City, Missouri.

Traffic will be controlled using digital message boards, road signs, pavement markings, concrete safety barriers and traffic cones.
PCI Roads, of Topeka, is the contractor on the $1.2 million project, which is expected to be completed Nov. 7.
A spokesman stated KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone. To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1. Drive safely and always wear your seat belt, the spokesman stated.