Eastbound I-70 Lewis and Clark Viaduct Reopening

Published on December 20, 2024

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has announced that the eastbound I-70 Lewis and Clark Viaduct over the Kansas River in Kansas City, Kansas, is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Friday, December 20, 2024. Traffic control signs and devices will begin to be removed by IBC, the traffic control contractor, starting at 9 AM on December 20, with the goal of reopening the following lanes and ramps by 3 PM (or sooner):

• Eastbound I-70
• Minnesota Avenue on-ramp to eastbound I-70
• Washington Avenue on-ramp to eastbound I-70
• Westbound I-70 off-ramp to Central Avenue (Exit 422D)

The southbound Fairfax Trafficway to eastbound I-70 ramp will remain closed while KDOT maintenance crews complete pavement patching on the approach. Crews plan to reopen this ramp by Friday, December 27, 2024, weather permitting.

The pedestrian bridge located on the eastbound I-70 truss will remain closed. The bridge, part of the active work zone, is currently being used for contractor access and is undergoing cleaning and painting. Clarkson, the contractor, plans to clean and apply primer paint in the coming weeks but will wait for higher temperatures to apply the final coat. Depending on the timeline between these phases, KDOT may temporarily open the pedestrian bridge.

New Weight Restrictions in Effect for Eastbound I-70 Lewis and Clark Viaduct
In accordance with the Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges, KDOT has evaluated Bridge Number 031 on I-70 at reference point 423.81 in Wyandotte County. Based on this evaluation, the bridge cannot safely support maximum legal loads.
Effective immediately and pursuant to K.S.A. 8-1912(d) and K.S.A. 8-2003, the Secretary of Transportation has declared new weight restrictions for the bridge, as follows:

• Single Vehicle: 25 tons
• Truck-Tractor Semi-Trailer: 43 tons
• Truck-Trailer Combination: 43 tons

These weight restrictions will remain in place until the bridge is repaired or replaced to safely support maximum legal loads. Type I signage designating these weight limits has been posted to ensure public safety.

This reopening marks significant progress following the closure earlier this year due to concerns with gusset plates identified during a routine bridge inspection. KDOT will continue working to ensure the bridge remains safe and operational for all travelers.

KDOT urges all motorists to obey posted signs and remain alert when driving through work zones. For updates on road construction across Kansas, visit KanDrive.org or call 5-1-1.