I-70 will be closed this weekend in Kansas City, Kansas. Here’s what you need to know
Getting around Wyandotte County could be challenging this weekend as crews will close highways and ramps to demolish the bridge deck of a flyover ramp at the Interstate 70 and 635 interchange, the Kansas Department of Transportation said in a news release.
Crews will shut down eastbound and westbound I-70 as well as northbound I-635 between 7 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday. Also closed will be the exit ramps from southbound I-635 to eastbound I-70, and northbound I-635 to westbound I-70, according to the transportation department.
Drivers may have already noticed that crews closed the ramp Tuesday night. The ramp will remain closed for the duration of the project.
The weekend closures could have a significant impact on traffic. About 73,700 vehicles a day use the stretch of I-70 to the immediate west of the interchange, according to traffic count maps from the transportation department.
The closure is part of a $6 million project to replace the deck of the flyover bridge at the interchange. Clarkson Construction of Kansas City is the contractor for the project, which is expected to be completed by late December.
During the construction, westbound I-70 traffic that normally takes the ramp to I-635 will exit at 18th Street/U.S. 69 and head south to Kansas Avenue/Kansas 32 highway. Traffic will then head west to southbound I-635.
An alternate detour will have westbound I-70 traffic exit at 57th Street and circle back onto eastbound I-70. The detoured traffic will then exit onto southbound I-635.
Driver should anticipate traffic delays, especially during rush hours. To avoid delays, drivers should consider alternate routes.
There could be additional lane closures on I-70 and I-635 during the duration of the project. Crews will work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday when needed. Some occasional overnight work is possible, with crews working from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
