Closure set to begin Monday on S.E. California Avenue in Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A major thoroughfare in East Topeka is set to be closed for several months starting Monday as part of a bridge replacement project.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the S.E. California Avenue bridge over Interstate 70 will fully close until late fall.

During the closure, through traffic can follow the marked detour on S.E. 21^st Street, S.E. Adams Street and S.E. 10^th Street, or find an appropriate alternative route.

A pedestrian and bike detour path is marked on S.E. 11^th Street, S.E. 10^th Street, S.E. Deer Creek-Carnahan Avenue and S.E. 21^st Street.

Demolition and removal of the existing structure will start Wednesday, May 13.

Work will affect traffic on I-70 and require an overnight closure of the area between the California Avenue ramps. Motorists should plan for the following:

• Wednesday, May 13, at 9 a.m.: The outside lanes of I-70 will close. Each direction will be restricted to their inside lane. The S.E. Deer Creek on-ramp to westbound I-70 will also close and will remain closed for the duration of the project.
• Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m.: All lanes of I-70 under California Avenue will close. During the closure, I-70 traffic will be diverted around the closed area by exiting at the respective off-ramp and re-entering I-70 via the on-ramp. The off-ramp stop signs will be covered, allowing traffic to flow through the intersection. Access to and from California Avenue will not be available.
• Thursday, May 14, by 7 a.m.: Both inside lanes of I-70 will open, and access to California Avenue will resume.
• Thursday, May 14, by 3 p.m.: All lanes of I-70 are expected to reopen.

On Friday, May 15, I-70 will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The lane reductions will remain for the duration of the project.

On Monday, May 18, all I-70 ramps to and from California Avenue will close for approximately two months. A marked detour will direct ramp traffic to the S.E. Deer Creek/Carnahan Avenue interchange during this time.

Additional closures and reductions may occur in the area until the project is complete.

All project work and traffic changes will be completed as conditions permit and the work schedule is subject to change.

More information about the project is available at ksdot.gov/California-Bridge.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit KanDrive.gov or call 511. For updates on highway projects in northeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/NortheastNews.