I-470 bridge demolition schedule, traffic disruptions announced
TOPEKA (KSNT) - Demolition will soon start on the westbound I-470 bridge in West Topeka.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is planning to start demolition on the westbound I-470 bridge this weekend, weather permitting. This demolition is part of KDOT's ongoing bridge replacement project. Demolition and removal of the bridge is expected to impact both directions of I-70 travel near the I-470 ramp.
According to KDOT, drivers should plan for the following traffic disruptions:
- Friday, March 8 at 9 a.m: Outside lanes of I-70 will close. Both directions will be reduced to their inside lanes.
- Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m: I-70 will fully close to all traffic in the work area.
- Saturday, March 9 at 3 a.m: The inside lanes of both directions of I-70 will open.
- Saturday, March 9 by 2 p.m: I-70 is expected to fully reopen in both directions.
Detours will be marked as the following during the full I-70 closure:
- Eastbound I-70 will be directed to I-470, to Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) and back to eastbound I-70
- Westbound I-70 will be directed to northbound U.S. 75, to westbound U.S. 24, to southbound K-99 in Wamego, and back to westbound I-70
- Westbound I-470 ramp traffic will be directed east to U.S. 75, then will use the westbound I-70 detour
Exit ramps in the area are expected to remain open throughout the duration of the work, according to KDOT.
No explosives will be used during the demolition process of the existing bridge. Crews will use heavy equipment to break apart and remove the structure. Drivers and spectators are asked to avoid the area, if possible, until demolition work is complete.
On Monday, March 11, at 9 a.m., the inside lanes of I-70 along the work area will be closed. Both directions of traffic will be reduced for about four months as the new bridge's center pier is constructed.
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