KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is moving forward with plans to replace the U.S. 69 (18th Street) Bridge over the Kansas River. It closed to through traffic on Saturday, March 1, with the new bridge scheduled to open in the fall of 2027.
According to KDOT, the bridge has served the community for over 65 years and is nearing the end of its life.
Traffic will be diverted around 18th Street between K-32 (Kansas Avenue) and Ruby Avenue via state-designated routes such as I-70, I-635, and I-35:
- Traffic will be diverted around 18th Street between K-32 and Ruby Avenue using state routes and interstate highways, including I-70, I-635, and I-35. Northbound traffic will exit at Ruby Avenue, while southbound traffic will exit at Kansas Avenue/K-32.
- Northbound U.S. 69 (18th Street) traffic will detour via southbound I-35 to northbound I-635, then eastbound I-70 back to U.S. 69 (18th Street).
- Southbound U.S. 69 (18th Street) traffic will detour via westbound I-70 to southbound I-635, then northbound I-35 back to U.S. 69 (18th Street).
The following entrance and exit ramps will be completely closed:
- U.S. 69 (18th Street)/K-32 (Kansas Avenue)
- U.S. 69 (18th Street)/Ruby Avenue
