TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Starting Monday, May 11, the California Avenue bridge over Interstate 70 in Topeka is set to fully close.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the closure will remain in place until late fall as part of the bridge replacement project.
During the closure, through traffic can follow the marked detour on Southeast 21st Street, Southeast Adams Street and Southeast 10th Street.
A pedestrian and bike detour path is marked on Southeast 11th Street, Southeast 10th Street, Southeast Deer Creek/Carnahan Avenue and Southeast 21st Street.
KDOT says the demolition and removal of the existing bridge will begin on Wednesday, May 13. Work will impact I-70 traffic. In addition, work will require an overnight closure of the area between the California Avenue ramps.
Drivers should plan for the following work schedule:
Wednesday, May 13, at 9 a.m.: The outside lanes of I-70 will close. Each direction will be restricted to its inside lane.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.Friday, May 15: I-70 will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Lane reductions will remain for the duration of the project. Monday, May 18: All I-70 ramps to and from California Avenue will close for about two months. A marked detour route will direct ramp traffic to the Southeast Deer Creek/Carnahan Avenue interchange during this time.
According to KDOT, additional closures and reductions may occur until the project is complete.
All project work and traffic changes are, condition permitting, and subject to change.
Learn more about the California Avenue bridge replacement project at ksdot.gov/California-Bridge.
Copyright 2026 WIBW. All rights reserved.