Press
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Construction is set to begin next spring on the Polk-Quincy viaduct project.
27 News sat down with Steve Baalman, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Topeka Metro Engineer, to find out what Topekans can expect when the construction gets underway.
“It’s going to be a big benefit to the city of Topeka for this project once it is complete,” Baalman said. “Now, the getting there will be very uncomfortable.”
Baalman says there’s three phases, or ‘seasons,’ of construction planned. The first will begin as early in the spring of 2025 as weather allows, and will last until the first part of 2026.
“First season is the big season for Topeka boulevard,” Baalman said.During that time, through traffic between North Topeka and downtown will need to use the Kansas Ave. bridge or another alternate route. Phase one sets the stage for the rest of the project, which Baalman says is all about improving the safety and efficiency of traffic. Read more....
Archaeology Under the Polk-Quincy Viaduct
Learn about how Section 106 of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) impacts the Polk-Quincy Project.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires environmental review of federal actions that may have a significant environmental effect. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is a component of NEPA review if a federal action may affect historic structures or cultural sites.
This piece comes from the July issue of Zephyr, released by the Kansas Historical Society. To read the article, click on the image to the left or click here.
State and local officials sign Polk-Quincy Partnering Agreement
On October 13, 2021, Governor Laura Kelly joined then-Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz and Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla to sign a formal partnership agreement for the long-awaited Polk-Quincy Viaduct project in Topeka.
The agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding marking the formal project partnership between KDOT, City of Topeka, Shawnee County, Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization, Topeka-Shawnee County Riverfront Authority, Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Greater Topeka Partnership. It commits the partners to cooperatively work towards implementation of the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct Project.
"As a long-time Topeka resident, I understand the significance of the Polk-Quincy project, and what a game-changer it will be for Topekans and for those traveling on I-70," Governor Kelly said. "I am eager to add my name, in representation of this administration and the IKE transportation plan, to the partnership group strengthening the Polk-Quincy Viaduct for generations to come."
The MOU reads, in part: "The partners further commit to remain focused on collaboration and supportive engagement, while helping to ensure that issues are resolved in a timely manner, information is being shared proactively, and that due consideration is given to each partner's unique goals and interests, and roles and responsibilities."
Governor Kelly and then-Secretary Lorenz originally announced the Polk-Quincy project in July as one of eight Expansion and Modernization highway projects in eastern Kansas—with a total investment surpassing $297 million—that have been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration's bipartisan transportation plan.
"Polk-Quincy will be a landmark project for this community and our state," then-Secretary Lorenz said. "KDOT is committed to being the best partner we can be as we make the front door to our capital city something we can all be proud of."
Project News Releases
Download and read the latest news releases about the project.
Spring 2023
April 20: KDOT, City of Topeka invites public to community open house for Polk-Quincy Viaduct project