Categories: Events/What's HappeningKansas City, KSNews

Kansas City Traffic Alerts: Major Bridge Repairs Announced

Image of Kansas City bridge undergoing major repairs with construction equipment and traffic detour signs.

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News Summary

Kansas City residents should prepare for significant traffic changes as major bridge repairs and closures are set to occur in the coming months. Starting March 24, 2025, the MO 350 westbound lanes at Blue Ridge Boulevard will be closed for bridge repair work, with detours available. Additionally, the 18th Street Expressway will undergo major renovations beginning March 1, 2025, expected to last until Fall 2027. The Lewis and Clark Viaduct will also see repairs in the eastbound direction. Drivers are urged to plan ahead for these adjustments.

Kansas City Traffic Alerts: Major Bridge Repairs on the Way!

Hey there, Kansas City! If you’re planning on hitting the road soon, you might want to sit down for a moment. We’ve got some important news regarding our local traffic that could potentially shake up your driving routine. Buckle up, because major bridge repairs and closures are about to take center stage!

MO 350 Bridge Closure – What You Need to Know

First up, mark your calendars! Starting on Tuesday, March 24, 2025, the westbound lanes of MO 350 at Blue Ridge Boulevard will be closed for some much-needed heat straightening and bridge repair work. Yes, it sounds intense, and that’s because it is! The good news is that if you’re heading west, there’s a recommended detour route just for you. Travelers can navigate this tricky situation by taking I-470 to I-435 before hopping back onto westbound MO 350. Easy peasy!

On a side note, it’s good to remember that the right lane of southbound Blue Ridge Boulevard will be closed as well during this timeframe. However, if you’re driving eastbound on MO 350, you’ll be glad to hear that your route will remain open. But if you’re in the area, be sure to keep an eye out for signage and plan for extra travel time. Traffic can get a little congested, but we can all do our part to keep things moving!

Big Changes on the 18th Street Expressway

March 1, 2025, travelers using the 18th Street Expressway should prepare for some adjustments in their usual routes. The US 69 bridge, known to many around here, is set for an extensive makeover that’ll last until the Fall of 2027. With a whopping budget of about $138 million for this project, it’s definitely not a small task!

A big part of funding for this bridge renovation comes from a federal grant covering $100 million. And here’s a quick fun fact: this bridge first opened its doors back in 1959! However, it’s facing the winds of time and nearing the end of its service life, with the last closure for repairs in 2018 due to some concerning structural deficiencies.

Traffic navigating around the 18th Street bridge will be directed to various state routes and interstate highways such as I-70, I-635, and I-35. Northbound travelers will exit at Ruby Avenue, while those heading south should exit at Kansas Avenue/K-32. With over 30,000 travelers using this route daily, it’s going to be a busy time for our friendly commuters!

Revamping Our Bridges with Style

The new 18th Street bridge is being designed with modern standards in mind. Picture this: a bridge featuring 10-foot exterior and 6-foot interior shoulders. It will not only look great but also include fencing over the railroad and a consistent concrete pattern to match the beautiful Lewis and Clark Viaduct.

The Hawkins Construction Company from Omaha, Nebraska, has snagged the contract for this impressive renovation project at a cost of $121.8 million. They’re bringing in their expertise to ensure this bridge will stand strong for many years to come!

Safety First: Lewis and Clark Viaduct Repairs

As if that wasn’t enough, don’t forget about the eastbound Interstate 70 bridge over the Kansas River on the Lewis and Clark Viaduct! This bridge will also be closed for several months due to repairs after an inspection revealed some trouble with the gusset plates. This closure, near 3rd Street in downtown KCK, is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. But don’t fret—westbound I-70 will remain open during this repair process.

Originally built back in 1907 and updated in 1963 to meet interstate standards, the bridge last saw rehabilitation in 2021. With the Kansas Department of Transportation regularly inspecting the bridge, it’s now time for immediate repairs to keep our roads safe.

Get Ready for the Changes!

So, Kansas City, stay informed and prepare for the upcoming detours and repairs. With construction underway, our bridges will soon be safer and more efficient for everyone. We appreciate your patience during these projects, and hey, perhaps there’s a silver lining—a new and improved travel experience awaits! Safe travels, everyone!