I-635 Closing for Shawnee Drive Bridge Demolition

Published on March 31, 2023

An image showing a detour path for the temporary closure of I-635 at the Shawnee Drive Bridge

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin demolition of the Shawnee Drive bridge over I-635 in Wyandotte County, starting on Friday, March 31, weather permitting.

The project includes bridge deck replacement, bridge approach repair, and bridge painting, with full closure of a segment of northbound and southbound I-635 at Shawnee Drive from 9 PM on Friday, March 31, to 5 AM on Monday, April 3.

During demolition, I-635/Shawnee Drive entrance ramps will be closed, but I-635/Shawnee Drive exit ramps will remain open. Detours for both I-635 and Shawnee Drive will be marked.

What you should know:

  • Bridge deck demolition begins on Friday, March 24, weather permitting.
  • A full closure of a segment of northbound and southbound I-635 at Shawnee Drive will be in place from 9 PM on Friday, March 31, to 5 AM on Monday, April 3.
  • Detours for I-635 and Shawnee Drive will be marked, and traffic control signs, devices, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zone and project detours.

Demolition Detour:
A graphic showing the Shawnee Drive and I-635 closure for bridge demolition

Traffic control signs, devices, and message boards will direct traffic through the project work zone and detours. Work will occur daily, Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 3:30 PM, and Saturdays, as necessary.

Detours for Shawnee Drive are marked, directing traffic toward Merriam Lane and Metropolitan Avenue. I-635 entrance and exit ramps at Merriam Lane and Metropolitan Avenue are marked as turnarounds for Shawnee Drive motorists wanting to travel to the opposite side of the Shawnee Drive bridge.

Once demolition is completed, and for the duration of the project, all adjacent I-635 ramps will remain open to traffic. Short-term overnight lane closures will be scheduled, as necessary, on northbound and southbound I-635. Miles Excavating, of Basehor, is the contractor for the $2.7 million project. The Shawnee Drive bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic in September and the project is expected to be completed in November.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone. To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas, go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1. Drive safely, and always wear your seat belt.