The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will close the U.S. 69 (18th Street) Bridge over the Kansas River beginning Saturday, March 1, at 6 a.m. as crews move forward with a full bridge replacement project.
According to KDOT, the bridge first opened in 1959. It has served the community for more than 65 years. It is nearing the end of its service life. The new bridge is expected to open in fall 2027.
During construction, motorists should plan ahead for detours and longer travel times. Traffic will be rerouted between K-32 (Kansas Avenue) and Ruby Avenue using I-70, I-635, and I-35:
- Northbound U.S. 69 traffic will detour via southbound I-35 to northbound I-635, then eastbound I-70 back to U.S. 69.
- Southbound U.S. 69 traffic will detour via westbound I-70 to southbound I-635, then northbound I-35 back to U.S. 69.
Entrance and exit ramps at 18th Street/K-32 and 18th Street/Ruby Avenue will also be closed.
Public Transit Impacts
The UG Transportation Department will reroute the 118 18th Street bus line starting Monday, March 3. The route will remain the same from 18th & Quindaro to 18th & Bunker. It will then divert onto the Kansas Turnpike to 7th Street Trafficway. The route continues south to 21st Street & Metropolitan Avenue before reconnecting with the regular route.
Key Improvements
The $121.8 million project is led by Hawkins Construction Company of Omaha. It will replace the aging deck truss bridge with a modern structure. It will also upgrade nearby roadway sections. The project will rehabilitate bridges over Ruby Avenue, Metropolitan Avenue, and Osage Avenue. It will also work on the Kansas City Terminal/Canadian Pacific Kansas City railways.
Once complete, the new bridge will meet modern design standards. It will improve safety. The bridge will provide a more reliable crossing for drivers, pedestrians, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Construction is expected to occur during daylight hours, Monday through Friday.
For updates, visit 18thstreetbridgekck.com or call the project hotline at 1-800-555-1234.
