Work continues on the Kansas Department of Transportation’s two major multi-year projects in the Topeka area: the U.S. 24 reconstruction project in Shawnee and Jefferson counties and the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct project through downtown. 

While construction timelines have required some adjustments, both projects remain on schedule and build on several recent highway improvements to the Topeka metro infrastructure system including resurfacing I-70 and I-470, pavement and bridge repairs on I-470, U.S. 75 and K-4, and replacement of the I-470 flyover bridge

U.S. 24 reconstruction
Reconstruction of eastbound U.S. 24 between Goldwater Road and Muddy Creek in Jefferson County is nearing completion. This phase includes full-depth pavement replacement, new bridges over Soldier and Muddy creeks and partial reconstruction of the bridges over K-4.

Eastbound U.S. 24, including K-4 ramps and local road tie-ins, are anticipated to reopen by mid-February. At or around that time, westbound U.S. 24 will close for reconstruction. Traffic will then be shifted to one lane in each direction on the newly finished eastbound lanes. During this phase, the following closures will occur: 

     • Westbound U.S. 24 ramps for south K-4/Oakland Expressway and the Happy Hollow Road tie-in will be fully closed for the duration of the work.
     • Westbound ramps to and from north K-4 will also close, though not concurrently.  

Timelines and traffic changes are conditions permitting and subject to change.

The U.S. 24 reconstruction project is expected to be complete in late 2027. For more information, visit ksdot.gov/us-24-shawnee-county.

I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct
Since work began in January, crews have logged over 15,000 construction hours.  Progress includes widening I-70 between MacVicar Avenue and Topeka Boulevard, beginning the new viaduct structures and reconstructing the Topeka Boulevard interchange. Notably, the new eastbound I-70 exit to Topeka Boulevard recently opened. Current traffic configurations— including reductions and turning restrictions on Topeka Boulevard between 4th Street and N.W. Gordon Street— are expected to remain in place until spring 2026.

The full closure of I-70 between Topeka Boulevard and 8th Avenue is tentatively scheduled for early summer to late fall, which is slightly later than initially planned. While the timeframe has shifted, the duration of the closure is expected to remain the same. During this time, Kansas Avenue will also close between 1st Street and N.W. Gordon Street while the local roadway is reconstructed and I-70 connecting ramps are built.

Timelines and traffic changes are conditions permitting and subject to change.

For project information and updates, visit ksdot.gov/I-70-Polk-Quincy.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit KanDrive.gov or call 511. For updates on highway projects in northeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/NortheastNews.