photo by: AdobeStock

The Kansas State Capitol building is shown in Topeka.

A portion of I-70 in downtown Topeka will be fully closed starting in June for work on a major construction project.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announced in a press release Tuesday that all lanes of I-70 between Topeka Boulevard and Eighth Avenue will close starting on Monday, June 8. Those lanes are scheduled to be closed until December as part of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct (PQV) project.

According to the release, KDOT’s designated detour will direct I-70 through traffic to I-470. Drivers could access downtown Topeka through I-70 ramps at MacVicar Avenue, Topeka Boulevard, Eighth Avenue and Tenth Avenue. Kansas Avenue and Topeka Boulevard will also be open. KDOT also encouraged drivers to review the I-470 detour and other alternative routes prior to this closure.

As the removal of the current viaduct begins on Tuesday, June 9, there will also be temporary closures during the evenings on portions of Kansas Avenue, Topeka Boulevard and I-70, according to KDOT. Those closures will include:

• Kansas Avenue will be closed between First Avenue and Third Street from Tuesday, June 9 to Wednesday, June 10 from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. A detour will be marked on Third Street, Topeka Boulevard and N.W. Morse Street.

• Topeka Boulevard will be closed between First Avenue and Third Street, starting at 11 p.m. on Friday, June 11 until Monday, June 15 at 4 a.m. Through traffic can follow the detour on Third Street, Kansas Avenue and N.W. Morse Street. During this closure, Southbound Topeka Boulevard will have access to the westbound I-70 on-ramp. Northbound Topeka Boulevard will be directed to Sixth Street and MacVicar Avenue to access westbound I-70. Eastbound I-70 will be closed starting at MacVicar Avenue.

All project work and traffic changes are conditions permitting and subject to change. Additional information about the project can be found at KDOT’s website.