Traffic Update: Kansas City Faces Bridge Closures, Crashes, and Rainy Weather Challenges

Traffic Update: Kansas City Faces Recent Incidents and Weather Challenges

Hey Kansas City residents! If you’ve been on the roads lately, you’ve probably noticed some interesting traffic situations unfolding, and we’re here to keep you in the loop. Whether you’re heading to work or out for a weekend adventure, it’s important to know what to expect on the major highways in and around our charming city.

Bridge Closure on U.S. Highway 71

First off, let’s talk about a significant road closure. A bridge on U.S. Highway 71 has been shut down between exit 1B and I-35 South. This has been confirmed to be a 260-foot stretch that’s now off-limits. The closure was first reported at 12:27 AM on Thursday, and the latest update was provided shortly after, at 12:41 AM. If you’re planning on traveling that route, make sure to find an alternative as crews work on that bridge.

Crashes on I-35: Stay Alert!

Now, moving on to some ongoing issues on I-35. A crash has been reported from I-635/Exit 231 to 24th Street/Exit 232, covering a 420-foot area. This incident was first noted at 8:49 PM and updated by 8:59 PM on Wednesday. If you’re planning to hit the highway, keep an eye out for potential slowdowns.

In addition, earlier on Wednesday, there was also a crash reported from Old K-56/Exit 217 to East Santa Fe Street/Exit 218. This one affects a stretch of about 0.78 miles and was initially reported at 8:34 PM. So, it’s clear: I-35 is currently not the best route for a smooth drive.

Rainy Weather Warning

As if the roadway incidents weren’t enough, we’ve also had some heavy rain rolling through. There’s been a traffic advisory urging drivers to use caution specifically on eastbound I-35 between Old K-56/Exit 217 and East Santa Fe Street/Exit 218. This event impacts approximately 0.61 miles and was reported at 8:32 PM on Wednesday.

Multiple Broken Down Vehicles

It seems like there’s a string of issues with broken down vehicles across various highways. For instance, there were reports of a broken-down vehicle on eastbound I-35, affecting the area between East Santa Fe Street/Exit 218 and 119th Street/Exit 220. This situation extends over 610 feet, with updates shared from 2:46 PM to 3:23 PM on Wednesday.

Similar incidents were reported on eastbound I-70 near Van Brunt Boulevard/Exit 6, and even on northbound I-635. Be cautious around these areas as you might notice some delays!

A Series of Alerts Continues

Crashes and vehicle breakdowns seem to be causing a ripple effect throughout Kansas City’s highways. From northbound I-29/I-35 to eastbound I-70, there have been challenges reported that cover hundreds of feet of roadway. Each of these events is being updated regularly as authorities work to manage traffic flow.

Stay Prepared

Given the weather and the string of incidents, it’s a good time to remind everyone to drive safely and be aware of your surroundings. Check your route before hitting the road and consider alternate paths if you know there’s trouble ahead. With the right preparations and by staying informed, we can all navigate through this urban jungle a little more easily!

If you see any issues out on the roads or have thoughts to share about this coverage, don’t hesitate to fill out our feedback form—your insights are valuable!

Until next time, drive safe, Kansas City!