Exploring California Avenue in Topeka

A major thoroughfare in East Topeka has been closed for several months starting May 11, 2026, to facilitate a bridge replacement project.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the S.E. California Avenue bridge over Interstate 70 will remain fully closed until late fall.

Traffic Detours and Pedestrian Access

Officials have established marked detours for through traffic, which is being redirected via S.E. 21st Street, S.E. Adams Street, and S.E. 10th Street. Motorists are also advised to seek alternative routes to avoid the closure area.

A specific detour path for pedestrians and cyclists has been marked on S.E. 11th Street, S.E. 10th Street, S.E. Deer Creek-Carnahan Avenue, and S.E. 21st Street.

Interstate 70 Disruptions

Demolition and removal of the existing bridge structure began May 13, 2026, causing several stages of traffic restrictions on I-70.

At 9 a.m. On May 13, 2026, the outside lanes of I-70 closed, restricting traffic in each direction to the inside lane. The S.E. Deer Creek on-ramp to westbound I-70 closed and will remain closed for the duration of the replacement project.

A full closure of all I-70 lanes under California Avenue occurred starting at 7 p.m. On May 13, 2026. During this period, I-70 traffic was diverted by exiting at the respective off-ramp and re-entering the interstate via the on-ramp. To facilitate this flow, off-ramp stop signs were covered, though access to and from California Avenue was unavailable.

Traffic began to normalize on May 14, 2026, with both inside lanes of I-70 opening by 7 a.m., at which point access to California Avenue resumed. All lanes of I-70 were expected to reopen by 3 p.m. That day.

Starting May 15, 2026, I-70 was reduced to one lane in each direction, a restriction that will remain in place for the duration of the project.

Further restrictions are scheduled for May 18, 2026, when all I-70 ramps to and from California Avenue will close for approximately two months.