What buildings stand in the way of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project?

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Workers will be taking down several buildings in and around a major highway work zone in Topeka so that progress can continue on the longstanding Polk-Quincy Viaduct project.

27 News reached out to Kate Craft with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to learn more about what locals can expect to see as the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project moves forward in the coming months. This project has been in the works for years and aims to enhance safety on I-70 with the addition of wider shoulders, a flattened curve near Third Street and extend acceleration and deceleration lanes in some areas.

KDOT plans to have the entire project wrapped up by the fall of 2027. Before that, however, multiple buildings must come down completely or partially so crews can have enough room to work on the viaduct.

Craft told 27 News enough buildings have come down for work to begin on the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project. This includes structures from 19 tracts of land in the areas around the viaduct. Several buildings are still in the way though and are slated to be demolished or are already in the process of being brought down.

Craft said demolition work for areas between First Street and Second Street along with Southwest Topeka Boulevard and South Kansas Avenue began in 2022 and was finished in 2024. Further demolition work on the remaining structures, including those listed above, is set for project bids in October this year. A demolition timeline for these remaining buildings will not be available until contractors are selected.

"Removal of these structures is necessary to make room for the new viaduct and other improvements that are included in the Polk-Quincy Viaduct replacement project," Craft said.

KDOT workers will spare the building at 124 Southwest Harrison Street thanks to work by the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) which found it has historical significance. Fencing was placed around the site to protect it from any damage during the project's timeline. Surveys conducted by the KSHS turned up some other items beneath the viaduct earlier this year but found nothing that would otherwise prevent the project from moving forward.

Work on the viaduct will require the complete closure of I-70 eventually, according to KDOT. This is expected to come somewhere between early spring and late fall in 2026. You can learn more about the project by visiting its website.

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