Topeka drivers need to wait months for Kansas River bridge to reopen

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka drivers eager to start using the boulevard again still have months to go before transportation officials reopen it to traffic over the Kansas River.

27 News got in touch with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) this week to find out when local drivers can expect to use Topeka Boulevard fully once again. The boulevard was effectively cut in half in early 2025 where it crosses over the Kansas River to give workers room to apply changes to the Polk-Quincy Viaduct (PQV).

Kate Craft with KDOT said the project is moving forward on schedule with the bridge set to reopen later this year. KDOT currently plans to reopen the bridge to traffic on Dec. 19.

Drivers on the boulevard heading north are forced to get on westbound I-70 along with drivers coming south over the bridge in its current state. Craft said her agency is hard at work to get the boulevard reopened and appreciates local's patience.

"KDOT understands the impacts that a project of this magnitude can have on motorists, residents and businesses in the area," Craft said. "We appreciate the public’s patience while we work to improve the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct corridor and surrounding street network."

Craft said there are no other major long-term changes expected until December this year with the current detour setup remaining as is. She said people should still expect regular weekend closures on the viaduct.

The PQV project has a price tag set at $239 million and is due to last into 2027. KDOT is set to close I-70 completely in 2026 from Southeast Eighth Street to Topeka Boulevard for half the year to complete work on the viaduct.

Workers have logged more than 6,000 construction hours on the PQV project as of July 2025. The Bettis Koss Construction Joint Venture is supplying workers for the project which has created about 275 job opportunities locally.

"We encourage the public to stay updated on the project by visiting the project website, and by following Northeast Kansas KDOT and the Polk-Quincy project on Facebook and X," Craft said.

You can learn more about the project by checking out the PQV website, following it on Facebook or checking it out on X. KDOT estimates the project will be completely finished in late 2027.

For more news on the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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