Construction is officially underway on the overhaul of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct, a project aimed at improving safety and traffic flow along Interstate 70 in downtown Topeka, Kan. Officials gathered Friday for a groundbreaking of the $239 million state-funded project.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a long-time Topeka resident, said she has long avoided driving on the viaduct due to its sharp curves and deteriorating condition.

"It scared me to death," she said at the event.

The project, spearheaded by Bettis Koss Construction, a joint venture of two Topeka-based firms, will reconstruct 2.5 miles of I-70 between MacVicar Avenue and S.E. 6th Avenue. The city of Topeka is also contributing $27 million for utility relocations necessary for the redevelopment.

Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla, 76, expressed relief that the project is finally moving forward.

"This is something that I didn't think I'd see in my lifetime, to be honest with you," he said.

The redesign will replace the existing viaduct with two elevated bridges east of S.W. Topeka Boulevard, improving safety by straightening out the highway’s sharp curve near S.E. 3rd Street.

Construction this year will focus on widening I-70 and building the new viaduct. The highway is scheduled to close for six months in late 2026 and early 2027, with full project completion expected by late 2027.

Source: CJOnline.com, WIBW.com