WABAUNSEE COUNTY (KSNT) – Kansas transportation authorities are getting ready to shut down a local bridge that will result in a big detour for some locals.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced on Thursday, Aug. 21 that it will start a project next week to replace a drainage ditch bridge on K-30 in Wabaunsee County. The job site is one mile north of I-70 at the railroad crossing near the town of Maple Hill.
Workers will start the project on Monday, Aug. 25 by closing K-30 at the job site. This closure will remain in place for the duration of the project which is expected to wrap up in late December this year, according to KDOT.
Six in Kansas infected with West Nile Virus: KDHE
Drivers are encouraged to use a signed detour route on K-30/Northwest Maple Hill Road, Northwest 54th Street, U.S. 24 Highway and Carlson Road while the project is ongoing. The full detour route can be seen below:

Detour route. (Photo Courtesy/KDOT)
The total length of the detour route is about 14 miles and will take around 20 minutes to traverse, according to Google Maps. Drivers should keep an eye out for work zones and posted signs in and around the project area while work progresses.
KDOT said WCI, Inc. based out of Paola will be the lead contractor for this $410,000 project. People can keep up with current traffic conditions and road work projects in Kansas by checking KanDrive or by calling 511.
Speed limit increased on rural Kansas highway
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf


