Andover drivers who use the Prairie Creek Bridge over the Kansas Turnpike will lose their crossing for about 11 months starting Monday, Oct. 5.
The city of Andover announced the bridge will be fully demolished and rebuilt, with a tentative reopening in late August or early September 2027, the Wichita Eagle first reported. The bridge spans a segment of I-35 operated by the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA), which is delivering the bridge and approach work as a partner on the project.
The Andover City Council approved the city's share of the cost, $1,890,914.12, at its Feb. 25 meeting. Don Langer Construction won the contract after the project was re-bid.
Why a full replacement
City officials determined the existing bridge is functionally obsolete and has structural failures, with reduced load capacity. Andover's fire chief raised concerns about deteriorating concrete. The replacement bridge will be wider to accommodate large vehicles, and the city and KTA accelerated the project schedule over safety concerns.
The project covers the bridge plus about 500 feet of approach road on each side. It sits near the Prairie Creek addition housing development and Hope Community Church.
About 1,800 feet of Prairie Creek Road pavement between the bridge project and 21st Street remains unfunded. The city plans to seek federal money for that segment through the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO).
Detour routes
Drivers south of the bridge will need to use 13th Street during the closure. Those traveling from the Hope Community Church area will need to take 21st Street instead.
The Andover City Council voted 6-0 on Tuesday, April 14, to approve right-of-way and temporary construction easement dedications for the project. Mayor Ronnie Price presided over that meeting.
How to stay informed
The city said it will provide more detailed timing for the project's completion and the reopening of Prairie Creek Road next summer.
Andover's next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, according to the city's website. Residents with questions can contact Andover City Hall at 1609 East Central Ave. or call 316-733-1303.
