November 5, 2012
KDOT announces K-18 traffic changes
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Traffic changes have taken place on Scenic Drive and on Eureka Drive at Kansas Highway 18. K-18 traffic will remain in this configuration until the middle of the month.
These closures are for construction work on the overall improvement project that will reconstruct a seven-mile stretch of K-18 from Manhattan to Ogden to a freeway when completed. There are three construction phases included in the overall K-18 improvement project.
Traffic coming from Fort Riley will not be able to access Scenic Drive from Eureka Drive during this phase. Traffic coming from Fort Riley to Scenic Drive will need to take K-18 east to Scenic Drive where drivers will then be able to take a left and go north on Scenic Drive.
Scenic Drive at K-18
The new Scenic Drive alignment will be open. Southbound Scenic Drive traffic will travel through the two roundabouts and over the bridge that spans K-18 to the existing K-18 lanes where they will then be able to turn right only toward Odgen. Eastbound K-18 traffic will now be able to turn left onto the new Scenic Drive as left turn lane on K-18 was installed. The shoofly detour that was in place for Scenic Drive will be closed.
Eureka Drive at K-18
Traffic heading east on Eureka Drive will only be able to make a right-hand turn to head south on Skyway Drive to Murray Drive in the business district where they can then turn right westbound K-18. Eureka Drive traffic wishing to access eastbound K-18 will need to proceed west on K-18 to the 56th Street interchange where they can then get back on eastbound K-18 toward Manhattan.
Drivers should expect delays during peak travel times and should use alternate routes if possible. Updated traffic information for this project is available at: http://www.ksdot.org/topekaMetro/projectstudyNEKS.asp.
The Kansas Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and “Give ‘Em a Brake!” when approaching and driving through the project work zone.