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I‑70 Pulquincy viaduct work will close downtown lanes next week; city outlines detour and emergency coordination
Summary
City and KDOT engineers told the Topeka governing body that a full I‑70 closure through downtown begins June 8 for staged viaduct demolition and reconstruction, with Topeka Boulevard and Kansas Avenue closures planned; officials outlined an I‑470/Turnpike detour, traffic messaging and coordination with emergency partners.
City and Kansas Department of Transportation engineers told Topeka’s governing body on June 2 that a planned full closure of I‑70 through downtown will begin June 8 to remove the existing Pulquincy viaduct and reconnect new bridge segments.
The presentation, led by KDOT representative Steve Balman and city staff, described phased work that will close I‑70 between Topeka Boulevard and the McVicker area and take down spans over Kansas Avenue and Topeka Boulevard in segments. Officials said the largest closure window for demolition on Kansas Avenue is scheduled for the June 7–10 weekend and that Topeka Boulevard would be closed for a separate removal beginning late on Friday, June 12 and reopening early Monday, June 15. Crews also plan an eastbound I‑70 closure through late June to install inlets and other items that cannot be completed under traffic.
Officials advised drivers passing through Topeka to follow a primary detour using I‑470 and the Kansas Turnpike. Balman said advance message boards and electronic navigation providers will be engaged to guide through‑traffic around the work. He added that the new eastbound viaduct bridge is expected to reopen with limited lanes first, with contractors financially incented to minimize closure time.
Council members asked detailed operational questions about timing and public viewing. Council Member Hiller said the schedule looked “essentially on track” and asked whether members of the public could safely observe demolition; staff suggested locations outside the active work zone and cautioned people to stay out of project limits. Council Member Hoer pressed staff about access for residents and first responders; staff said operational coordination meetings are held frequently with Topeka Police, Topeka Fire Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Turnpike officials, and that maps and response plans are shared internally.
City staff acknowledged inconsistent attendance from some external partners — including AMR ambulance providers and some towing companies — and said they will continue to send maps and requests for participation in the weekly coordination meetings. Officials stressed that some ramps and local roads will be opened or reconfigured in sequence to maintain access for businesses and emergency services.
The city encouraged residents to consult KDOT’s project page for maps and updates and to watch posted message boards on I‑70 approaches once the detour goes live.
