Closure to affect West Lawrence interchange

Lawrence commuters who use the Kansas Turnpike might have to adjust their plans beginning Monday morning.

The turnpike authority will close the West Lawrence toll plaza to drivers who try to enter and head west toward Topeka or who try to exit there from the westbound lanes.

Drivers must use the East Lawrence or the Lecompton interchange toll plazas to head west on I-70 or to exit from the westbound lanes.

It is part of the $130 million bridge-improvement and interchange project on the turnpike in the Lawrence area. The bridge and West Lawrence ramp will be under construction in this phase, and the contractor, Hamm Inc. of Perry, has 180 days to complete the project.

During this time, drivers can still use the West Lawrence plaza to head east on Interstate 70 or to exit from the eastbound lanes.