A new $135 million Kansas project expected to kick off in 2028 aims to replace bridges over I-70, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Kansas River along Central Avenue in Wyandotte County.
[Above photo by the Kansas DOT]
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and the Kansas Department of Transportation own bridges along the Central Avenue corridor that need replaced.
The bridge that crosses the Kansas River is owned by the Unified Government and was closed in Spring 2021 due to safety and structural concerns, while Kansas DOT-owned bridges over I-70 and Union Pacific Railroad and – though open – are approaching the end of their service life.
While looking at options to address community access concerns, Kansas DOT said its engineers identified a solution that could provide the desired access while also expanding the project to include replacing the Unified Government’s bridge over the Kansas River – all for the same cost.
“Including the replacement of the bridge over the Kansas River will allow us to replace the bridges over I-70 and Union Pacific Railroad in a more cost-effective way, resulting in the project cost being the same as originally estimated,” noted Calvin Reed, Kansas DOT secretary, in a statement.
“This is a win-win for Kansas,” he added. “We’re replacing more outdated bridges and being responsive to the community’s needs.”
“[This project] reflects the power of collaboration – looking at the bigger picture and listening to communities,” noted Governor Laura Kelly (D). “Through effective problem solving we’re able to address more needs with the same level of investment.”
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