Transportation officials warn that a repaving project along the Kansas Turnpike will slow traffic east of Topeka.  The 15-mile stretch of I-70 between the East Topeka and Lecompton/Lawrence exits are the busiest on the pike. Motorists are urged to check for construction updates on the KDOT web site.

An overlay paving project will begin Monday, April 28th, weather permitting. The project will involve covering all three lanes in each direction with an ultra-thin bond asphalt surface.

Shoulders will also be sealed with a spray seal.

The contractor will start with patching work near the Lecompton/Lawrence exit. Much of this work will be in the center lane so it will be completed at night, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and will take 2-4 days. Traffic will be reduced to one lane when work is being completed in the center lane.

Following patching, overlaying will begin on the inside lanes during the day. The center lane will then be overlayed. This will take place at night due to the need to close two lanes in order to safely do the work.

Work will then move to the outside lanes.

When all lane work is complete, the ramps at mile marker 197 will be overlayed, followed by sealing the shoulders along the entire project.

After a two-week window for the project to cure, roadway lines will be painted.