Second phase of I-70 road work to slow traffic near Junction City

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Construction crews are preparing to enter the next phase of an I-70 repair project expected to last until nearly the end of 2025.

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) initially announced the three-year $30 million road project on I-70 near Junction City in the summer of 2023. The project is aimed at replacing aging pavement on the major Kansas highway between Washington Street at exit 296 and K-57 at exit 300.

The first phase of the project was listed as complete in November, 2023, according to the project website. The second phase is set to start on March 18, 2024.

This new phase will bring traffic down to one lane with reduced speeds. Median crossovers will carry one lane of westbound traffic through construction by using the eastbound lanes. This phase will also include the closure of some westbound I-70 ramps and the replacement of the Washington Street roundabout.

The second phase is slated to be finished by November 2024, according to KDOT. The third and final phase will start on March 17, 2025, with a completion date set for November 2025.

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