Updated: 2:43 p.m.
A Kansas Turnpike Authority project on the U.S. 166 bridge over I-35/Kansas Turnpike just east of South Haven will soon close U.S. 166 at the bridge and result in a detour.
According to a news release from the KTA Monday, the bridge closure and detour is expected to begin March 28, weather permitting. The designated detour for U.S. 166 traffic will be marked with signage starting March 28 through mid-November, weather and schedule permitting.
Besides increasing vertical bridge clearance, construction includes pavement surfacing, guardrail, bridge pier protection, berm slop improvements and bridge rehabilitation. The project contract (KTA #8011) was awarded in December 2023 to Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, for an amount not to exceed $3,848,340.
KTA says it began increasing overhead bridge heights in 2016 to a minimum of 15’9” to aide freight movement. Since conception of the bridge raising effort, 69 bridges have been raised.
The detour will use U.S. 160 to the north, U.S. 81 to the west and U.S. 77 to the east. Intermittent lane closures on I-35/Turnpike near mile marker 4.049 can also be expected throughout the project.
Drivers are encouraged to be aware of traffic impacts by checking www.KanDrive.org.
