Replacement signs are in place over Interstate 70 in eastern Topeka, and all lanes that had been closed to accommodate the work are now open, a highway spokeswoman said.

The installation of new signs and supports, estimated to cost at least $40,000, caused varying lane closures along I-70 near the interchange with Adams Street and Branner Trafficway.

But contractors worked fast, and easily beat the anticipated 3 p.m. completion deadline, said Kimberly Qualls, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The work required lane closures to accommodate equipment. All traffic headed west even had to be halted briefly, as the signed were raised into place.

The interstate carries more than 30,000 vehicles per day near the interchange, Qualls said.

The new signs replace ones that had been over the interstate until last winter, when they had been taken down for safety reasons. The signs’ support structure had been severely damaged when a vehicle struck the structure Dec. 28, 2007.