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I-70 Polk Quincy Viaduct

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Project Description

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.

Project Timeline

2025: Construction will focus on constructing the new viaduct and widening I-70 west to MacVicar. I-70 remains open in a reduced configuration.
2026: Construction will focus on connecting the highway to the new viaduct.
2027: Construction will focus on completing work on west I-70 and the local city street network.

Project work and scheduling are conditions permitting and subject to change as the project progresses.

Location Map

Polk Quincy Viaduct Project Location Map

Project Details

Project Name	I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct
Project Number	KA-1266-04
Location	I-70 from MacVicar Avenue to 6th Street
Scope	Reconstruct I-70 to 6 lanes on a partial offset alignment
Approximate Length	2.5 miles
Project Timeline	Construction expected to begin in 2025
Construction Cost	$239 million

Project News

Archived News

01/30/2025 3:00 PM
I-70 Polk-Quincy Viaduct project starting in Topeka

Public Meetings

Events

U.S. 24 and I-70 Projects Open House
11/13/2024 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Community Open House
05/04/2023

More Events

Project Materials

Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

What design elements will be below the viaduct?
There has been discussion of potentially utilizing the area beneath the future viaduct as open space, and that is an ongoing discussion between federal, state and local partners. Local partners with a concept and funding source will work with the City of Topeka, and the City will bring the concept to KDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for approval. General guidelines from FHWA include prohibiting anything directly under the viaduct that is combustible, which would include a parking lot where a vehicle could remain. Food trucks using that area or camping will not be allowed because of the fire risk.
Are there historic properties within the project footprint?
One building in the area, 124 S.W. Harrison, will remain in place because it is deemed historically significant due to its architectural style.
How does this project tie into the City of Topeka’s plans for bicycle and pedestrian connectivity along Kansas Avenue?
The City of Topeka is planning more bicycle and pedestrian features in the Kansas Avenue area, including a grant‐funded conversion of one southbound traffic lane to a two‐way bicycle lane across the Kansas Avenue Bridge. The project design team is working very closely with the City of Topeka to analyze how to get the best balance for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in that area. On‐street bike lanes on 4th Street and Van Buren Street are planned, and both the eastbound and westbound frontage roads will have 10‐foot shared‐use paths adjacent to them for pedestrians and cyclists.
I understand the interstate will be three lanes starting at MacVicar Avenue. How far east will those three lanes go?
The three‐lane section of I‐70 will stretch between MacVicar Avenue and Topeka Boulevard. Aside from that section, the interstate design provides two lanes. The project design allows for future expansion and additional lanes across the viaduct, if needed.
What are the plans for aesthetics associated with the project?
The aesthetic focus is on the viaducts and retaining walls and how they tie into design elements seen throughout downtown. Design options are still under consideration, and nothing is finalized at this time.
What is the plan with Second Street underneath the existing I-70 viaduct bridge between Kansas Avenue and Topeka Boulevard?
Second Street will remain open from the west to Jackson Street. The project team plans to remove the existing viaduct, patch the holes in the existing Second Street where the piers are now, and then that roadway will remain open to Jackson Street and closed from Jackson Street to the east.
Why is there a large separation between the lanes of I-70 through the viaduct?
The project builds two lanes going in each direction across the viaduct, and the project design provides for future expansion to three lanes in each direction if needed. The additional lanes would go to the inside, which requires the extra space for potential use in the future.
Why is this project needed?
After nearly 60 years of service life, there is significant deterioration on the viaduct (i.e., the bridge portion of this section of I-70). Furthermore, traffic volumes have increased, highway design criteria have changed and the area around the viaduct has undergone evolving development. This project will enhance safety with wider shoulders, flatten the curve near Third Street, and extend acceleration and deceleration lanes in certain areas.