KDOT to replace East 12th Avenue bridge at El Dorado Lake; road will close during construction

The Kansas Department of Transportation will replace the bridge on East 12th Avenue over the Walnut River at El Dorado Lake State Park, beginning the week of June 1, a KDOT official said. East 12th will be closed during construction, affecting access to some lake entrances.

The announcement said motorists can reach lake access points from Highway 177, Bluestem Road and Myers Road (north of El Dorado), and that posted detour signs should be followed. "If you're just traveling through on that road, just follow the posted detour signs to help guide your way," the official said.

KDOT described the work as "a major improvement project about $3,200,000," and said it is expected to be completed by the end of the 2026 construction season, weather permitting. The department emphasized traffic-management choices were selected "to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently during the project."

Motorists were urged to slow down, stay alert in work zones and follow posted signs. For the latest road conditions KDOT directed drivers to candrive.gov and provided a phone contact listed in the announcement as "501."

KDOT did not provide a contractor name, a day-by-day construction schedule, or lane-by-lane staging details in the announcement. Officials said only the work's start week, the estimated cost and the projected season for completion. Motorists planning travel to El Dorado Lake should check KDOT updates before departing.