On Wednesday, March 25, weather permitting, a multi-bridge repair project will begin on eastbound and westbound I-70 in Kansas City, Kan., according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Project work includes complete replacement of the decks over the eastbound and westbound I-70 bridges over Kaw Drive; joint repair work on southbound I-635 to eastbound I-70 ramp bridge; and mill, patch and overlay work on the eastbound I-70 bridge over Quarry Road. Work will take place during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset), Monday through Friday with some occasional Saturday work.
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, the following ramp closures will begin: northbound and southbound I-635 to eastbound I-70 and eastbound I-70 to Park Drive-Kaw Drive.
Marked detours will be provided. The northbound and southbound I-635 to eastbound I-70 ramp closures will be in place, 24/7 round the clock, throughout the project duration. The eastbound I-70 to Park Drive-Kaw Drive ramp will reopen to traffic in July 2015.
At the same time on Monday, March 25, eastbound and westbound I-70 from just west of I-635 to just east of Kaw Drive will be reduced to two 11-foot lanes with no shoulders, 24/7 round the clock, throughout the project duration. There will be a 55 mph posted speed limit on I-70 through the work zone throughout the project duration.
Project work will be completed in several phases with varying traffic impacts, according to KDOT. Additional phasing and project-related traffic closures will be sent out in advance under separate cover.
Project construction information, including general phasing, traffic impacts and marked detour route maps can be viewed at: I-70 over Kaw Drive Multi-Bridge Construction Project information. Updated daily traffic information for this project and for the entire Kansas City metro area can be viewed at: www.ksdot.org/kcmetro/laneclose.asp.
Drivers should expect delays and must allow extra time during their daily commutes. The Kansas Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and slow down when approaching and driving through the project work zone.
Clarkson Construction, Kansas City, Mo., is the primary contractor on this multi-bridge repair project with a total contract cost of $8 million. Project work is scheduled to be completed in December 2015, weather permitting.
This project is funded by T-WORKS, the transportation program passed by the Kansas Legislature in May 2010.