I-70 Lewis and Clark Viaduct to be closed through the end of the year

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The eastbound I-70 Lewis and Clark Viaduct over the Kansas River in KCK has been closed for repairs according to the Kansas Department of Transportation ( KDOT ).

At this time, KDOT expects the bridge will be closed through the end of the year and maybe longer. Engineering plans are currently being developed, and crews are expected to start work in about a month.

KDOT says that their inspectors identified concerns with gusset plates in the eastbound lanes during a recent bridge inspection. These plates are used to connect truss members of a bridge together.

KDOT engineers determined that repairs were needed and have closed to bridge to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic while the repairs are completed. While the department realizes this is inconvenient for some travelers, KDOT also recognizes the amount of caution needed.

“The safety of the traveling public is the reason the decision was made to close this bridge,” said KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed.

“We know that a sudden bridge closure of this magnitude will be a challenge for those who live, work and travel in this area, especially with the closure of other Kansas River crossings in the region. We will work diligently to make these repairs as quickly as possible so that we can get the bridge back open to traffic.”

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