The I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct was constructed in the late 1950s. Since then, bridge condition deteriorated, traffic volumes increased, highway design criteria changed and the surrounding area has undergone development. The I-70 Polk-Quincy Project, spanning from MacVicar Avenue to 6th Street, will replace the aging viaduct, ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
"KDOT makes every effort to negotiate these items fairly with respect to property owners and the Kansas taxpayers," [Steve] Hale, [KDOT's communications coordinator] said.
September 18, 2023
Opportunities to Get Involved in 2023
KDOT is preparing to host eight (8) in-person meetings across the state and one virtual meeting this fall as part of the 2023 Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) Local Consult process. Local Consult is a two-year rolling program that gives KDOT a forum to listen to regional needs from Kansans who live and work in each of KDOT's six districts and two metro areas.
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW
ROADS AND RAMPS
Traffic along I-70 through Downtown Topeka will remain in the current configuration with one lane eastbound and one lane westbound through the winter 2022-2023 months.
Access to I-70 on- and off-ramps remains open with the exception of the on-ramp from 3rd Street, which has been permanently closed.
BRIDGE REPAIR
Beginning in Spring 2023, KDOT will work to repair existing bridges along I-70 through the area, resulting in adjustments to the lane configurations.
Bridge repair work is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2023, and then I-70 traffic will return to its current configuration with one lane eastbound and one lane westbound. It will remain in this configuration until the Polk-Quincy Viaduct Replacement Project begins in Spring 2025.
PROPERTY APPRAISALS, RIGHT-OF-WAY AQUISITION IN PROGRESS
Property appraisals for the right-of-way acquisition process are underway for the Polk-Quincy Viaduct reconstruction project. This project will flatten the tight curve near 3rd Street, which requires the roadway to move 200 feet to the north. This may require acquisition of private property, including appraisals, just compensation analysis, written offers, payment and relocation if needed.
Representatives from the acquisition team, O.R. Colan Associates, will be contacting affected property owners in the upcoming weeks and months.
Right-of-Way Questions?
Mike Jett
Right-of-Way Project Manager
O.R. Colan Associates
mjett@orcolan.com
(317) 408-9176
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU to everyone who attended the I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct Open House on May 4 to learn more about the project! For those unable to join, visit our Open House webpage.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) together with the City of Topeka and project partners, hosted the public at a community open house.
“New Polk-Quincy Viaduct will have a reduced curve and drivers will be able to go faster"
May 5, 2023
PROJECT BACKGROUND
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."
