Topeka/Lawrence Metro Area
Projects & Studies

The Topeka/Lawrence Metro Area is a beehive of transportation activity. In order to manage the growth and prepare for an efficient and effective transportation system, the Kansas Department of Transportation and many local partners are working together to study the area and develop plans for the future. Here is a sampling of the studies and projects underway in the Topeka/Lawrence Metro Area.

Topeka/Shawnee County Projects & Studies

US-24 & Topeka Boulevard Interchange Bridge Replacement Project

There are three construction phases planned for the U.S. 24 and Topeka Boulevard Interchange Bridge Replacement Project in North Topeka. Construction work will begin in June 2013 and the project is scheduled to be completed in mid-November 2013, weather permitting.

Phase I:  During this phase, crews will construct the temporary shoofly detours that will carry eastbound and westbound traffic U.S. 24 traffic once the bridge is closed. U.S. 24 traffic will still use the existing bridge during this phase. All ramps at the U.S. 24 and Topeka Boulevard Interchange will be closed. Topeka Boulevard will be closed to all through traffic just north and south of the bridge.

Phase II:  Crews will construct new pavement on either side of the bridge between the outer ramps and the loop ramps. Eastbound and westbound U.S. 24 traffic will utilize the temporary shoofly detours. Northbound and southbound Topeka Boulevard traffic will utilize the marked detour via local city streets. The loop ramps will be resurfaced during this phase.

Phase III:  During this phase, US-24 traffic will utilize the new bridge. Crews will remove the temporary shoofly detours on the north and south sides of the bridge. The loop ramps and Topeka Boulevard will be opened to traffic, but the outer ramps will remain closed for resurfacing work. Once resurfacing work on the outer ramps is completed, the interchange will be fully opened to unrestricted traffic.

View an aerial view map of the project, including marked detours here: US-24 Bridge Replacement Project Public Handout Final

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), along with partners, the City of Topeka and the Metropolitan Topeka Planning Organization, are conducting a study for the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct in Topeka. The two-phase study will determine the future of the 3,800-foot long bridge located in downtown Topeka. During Phase I, the study team will identify a location and design concept on which to base future design work. Phase I is expected to be completed by early-2011. During Phase II of the study, engineers will conduct preliminary work to add detail to the location and design concept identified in Phase I. Phase II is scheduled to be completed in 2013. To find out more about the I-70 Topeka Polk-Quincy Viaduct Study, visit the study website at: http://I70PolkQuincy.ksdot.org.

Lawrence/Douglas County Projects & Studies

U.S. 56 Multi-Bridge Replacement Project (Douglas County)

On Thursday, April 11, a project will begin to replace three bridges located on a 2.55-mile stretch of U.S. 56 west of Baldwin City (Douglas County). Project work includes the replacement of three bridges located between E1400 Road (Douglas County) and 6th Street in Baldwin City. Beginning early morning on Thursday, April 18, all lanes of eastbound and westbound U.S. 56 from E1400 Road to 6th Street in Baldwin City will be closed to through traffic and will remain closed during the duration of the project. A 30-mile marked state detour route will be provided. Eastbound U.S. 56 traffic will detour via southbound U.S. 59 to northbound I-35 to northbound K-33 back to U.S. 56. Westbound U.S. 56 traffic will detour via southbound K-33 to southbound I-35 to northbound U.S. 59 back to U.S. 56. Project work is scheduled to be completed in mid-October 2013.

U.S. 56 Multi-Bridge Replacement Project to Begin in Douglas County
U.S. 56 Bridge Replacement Project Aerial Overview & Detour Map