The I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct was constructed in the late 1950s. Since then, bridge condition deteriorated, traffic volumes increased, highway design criteria changed and the surrounding area has undergone development. The I-70 Polk-Quincy Project, spanning from MacVicar Avenue to 6th Street, will replace the aging viaduct, ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
An RCB (reinforced concrete box) drainage structure currently being built under the Polk-Quincy viaduct. This and other ongoing utility and preparation efforts are underway throughout 2024, with construction on the viaduct itself slated for Winter/Spring 2025. Image captured May 17, 2024.
In conjunction with the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct improvement project, the City of Topeka is undertaking its own utility replacement project. The Utility Relocation Project consists of necessary sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water utility relocations to resolve conflicts with the planned KDOT Polk Quincy Viaduct (West Project) Project No. 70-89 KA-1266-04.
Crews will remove and replace or relocate 12,600 square yards of pavement, 7,035 feet of sanitary sewer, 2,644 feet of storm sewer, and 6,009 feet of water line.
Visit the City of Topeka's Utility Relocation Project webpage to view traffic and detour maps, and to learn more about current efforts.
Project Timeline
CITY OF TOPEKA
UTILITY RELOCATION
Fall 2023 - Spring 2025
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
Spring 2025 - Fall 2027
October 2021
Environmental Assessment (EA) shows Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
Right of Way (ROW) acquisition begins
July 2021
KDOT programs funding for project construction
Design team shares plans with utilities to facilitate relocation
January 2022
Demolition project out for bid
May 2023
Community Open House
October 2024
Project Letting
April 2025
Pre-Construction Community Open House
Please note that listed dates are tentative and are subject to change.
Interactive Map
Explore the project design and utility relocation plans using the interactive map tool below. The blue and yellow buttons allow you to alternate views.
ROADS AND RAMPS
Access to I-70 on- and off-ramps remains open except for the on-ramp from 3rd Street, which is permanently closed.
BRIDGE REPAIR
Beginning in Spring 2023, KDOT worked to repair existing bridges along I-70 through the area, resulting in adjustments to the lane configurations.
Bridge repair work was completed in Fall 2023. I-70 will remain in its current configuration with one lane eastbound and one lane westbound until the Polk-Quincy Viaduct Replacement Project begins in Spring 2025.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU to everyone who attended the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct Open House on May 4, 2023 to learn more about the project! For those unable to join, visit our Open House webpage.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) together with the City of Topeka and project partners, hosted the public at a community open house.
"Utility relocation efforts are underway in Downtown Topeka in preparation for the larger Polk-Quincy Viaduct reconstruction project."
January 9, 2024
“New Polk-Quincy Viaduct will have a reduced curve and drivers will be able to go faster"
May 5, 2023