Drivers need detour for detour: Construction season hits

KANSAS CITY, Kansas - Kansas Deptartment of Transportation officials said they've already heard from drivers expecting a headache with rush hour.

Crews are reducing the lanes of eastbound I-70 on the Lewis & Clark Viaduct (just west of downtown, over the Kansas River).

"It is gonna be packed," Zach Legler said.

Legler works at Johnny C's Deli in Kansas City, Kan., but lives in Gladstone, Mo. He arrives at work around 9 a.m., right in the middle of rush hour.

He started taking I-70 eastbound to I-35 north to get home once the Broadway Bridge, a major artery into the Northland, closed just after the All-Star Game.

"I guess I won't rush to get home," Legler said with a laugh. "What's the point?"

Crews are repairing a bridge overlay on the I-70 viaduct Monday through Friday, but the lane closures will be consistent until the project is done, which is expected in October. Additional ramps will also be closed periodically throughout the project.

The retaining wall repairs to Route 169 on the Missouri side are not expected to be completed until December.

For more information about road repairs in the area, visit http://tinyurl.com/chqjs92 .